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JOHNNY'S STROKE IS NO JOKE! LET'S STRIKE BACK!

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HELLO! My name is Theresa Gray. I am opening this GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to raise funds to cover medical debts and financial obligations for a very close friend of mine who is near and dear to my heart who suffered a stroke.
JOHN SILVEIRA and I have been good friends for a very long time. We have played together in rock bands for many years and still do to this day.     Through the goodness of his heart, Johnny repeatedly and willingly gives his love, friendship, time, sweat (lots of sweat), and amazing talent to others. Johnny is the type of person who gives precedence to the happiness of those around him. Johnny’s medical bills are piling up and he needs our help. He would never ask for help on his own so I am asking for him. I wanted and needed to find a way to provide him with financial support in any way possible. Raising funds through this GoFundMe campaign was the best way I knew how to take the first step. 
     Johnny Silveira brings light and laughter to any situation and is such a fun person to be around. But all fun aside, Johnny’s Stroke Is No Joke! Let’s Strike Back!
THIS IS JOHNNY'S STORY
     May 26, 2019, started out as what John Silveira assumed would be a typical Sunday until a hindrance interrupted his day, which ultimately disrupted his life. That Sunday morning, Johnny ventured out on his usual run of errands. Upon return home, his wife Brenda noticed something seemed “off” about Johnny. A strange sensation of weakness was developing on his right side. His speech was becoming slow and slurred. He was beginning to have trouble swallowing and forming words that made sense. Without hesitation, he and his wife Brenda headed to the emergency room at Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester, MA.
     With limited resources available at Addison Gilbert Hospital to perform a warranted MRI scan, Johnny was immediately transferred via ambulance to the Lahey/Beverly Hospital (Beverly, MA) with his wife, Brenda, in tow. The MRI scan revealed that Johnny suffered what is called an Ischemic (“is-skeem-ik”) Stroke.
     You can find more information on this and other types of strokes at The American Stroke Association, The American Heart Association, and stroke.org.
     Two days after Johnny Silveira suffered his stroke he returned to work (part-time). Not that he was healthy or strong enough to persevere his accustomed peak performance level of workmanship (he wasn’t). It was because he had to. Johnny runs and owns a one-man business. Closing up shop was not an option. Other factors were also in play toward this decision.
     Please know that the ambulance ride, the paramedics (ambulance technicians), and the MRI scan were NOT covered by insurance. Insurance will only cover approximately 60% to 80% of John’s care with a high deductible. John is covered under his wife Brenda’s health insurance. The astronomical insurance premium costs reduce Brenda’s take-home pay by almost half, thus another reason for John to return to work sooner than later.
John Silveira Has the Spirit of a Warrior Guided By His Positive Thinking 
     Four days after his stroke, Johnny showed up to band rehearsal. The first words he said to me were “I apologize in advance if I make some mistakes. I’m not up to par just yet, but I’ll try my best”. Everyone thought he was crazy to jump right into working and practicing with the band. But come to find out he was correct in doing so.
     The doctors told Johnny that submerging himself into work and playing guitar so quickly after his stroke was the best thing he could’ve done. Without even knowing, Johnny was applying a type of physical therapy called Massed Practice. When the brain becomes damaged by stroke, Massed Practice helps the brain rewire itself and heal by performing repetitive tasks. The more practice, the stronger his mobility and skills become! Retraining his brain to regain the dexterity in his hands and fingers to perform such a complicated task as playing lead guitar was a difficult undertaking. John Silveira dove in headfirst with his strength of character and fortitude to not only take on but conquer the complicated challenges that stared him in the face. If anyone has the inner strength and willpower to rise above this “set back”, it is John Silveira. The road ahead is still long and winding with hurdles to leap. This is why I am asking for your help, for Johnny.
HEEEEERE’S JOHNNY!
     Johnny Silveira is a one-man business owner with a passion for fast cars, and the color purple (not the movie, the actual color Purple).Johnny is a superb musician (guitar player/singer)… …an honest and loyal friend… ...and a devoted yet quite amusing husband.John Silveira's adoration for his wife, children, and grandchildren is unwaveringWHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
John Silveira is a steadfast supporter of local school sports and events......as well as a committed supporter of the local and regional music scene.No Questions Asked - Johnny Silveira is there for anyone whenever...
... There is a need for a guitar player for a benefit or paying gig;
... There is a need for a sound or light technician for a benefit or paying gig;
... There is a need for someone to set up PA or lights for a benefit or paying gig;
... There is a need for someone with a vehicle to move equipment to & from a gig     (paid or not);
... Someone needs help moving (to & from a house or apartment);
... You need something, almost anything, and he is available.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1)  Make a donation to this worthy cause. Any amount is never too small (or
       large) and is so very much appreciated.
2)  Share this page or this link https://www.gofundme.com/johnnysfund with your
      social media to spread the word
3) A Twitter account will be set up momentarily. Updates will be posted. 
WHERE WILL YOUR DONATIONS GO?
     All donations to John Silveira’s GoFundMe campaign go directly to and are managed by JOHN SILVEIRA. John is the sole beneficiary of all contributions.
     You will have the option to send donations with full disclosure of your name or anonymously. Should you decide to provide a donation directly to John Silveira, you may do so by sending a check or money order to:
John Silveira
330 Essex Avenue
Gloucester, MA 01930 
(Please write on the memo line of your check: “Go Fund Me Donation”)
     Donations will be allocated toward John Silveira’s medical bills, insurance premiums, and recovery of revenue loss.
PLEASE NOTE: Theresa Gray will be managing the administrative element of this GoFundMe campaign for John Silveira (updates on John’s health, financials, et al; including thank you letters; emails; etc.). The email address associated with this account is [email redacted] if you have questions.

THANK YOU, in advance, for your support of Johnny Silveira.
YOU ALL ROCK! And so does Johnny Silveira! PRESS PLAY...
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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Theresa Gray
    Organizer
    Gloucester, MA
    Brenda Eason-Silveira
    Beneficiary

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