Lighting Strikes Uninsured Mark Johnson & His Son!
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Lightning Strikes Uninsured Mark Johnson and his Son, Matthew Anderson
Hello, family and friends of Mark Johnson and his son Matthew Anderson are trying to help with their medical expenses after a terrible accident. Mark is one of those rare special guys who really does help others by giving of his time and skills. He helped me and several of his neighbors with endless house projects. He is skilled machinist and carpenter and truly enjoys helping others. Mark and Matthew share a close father and son relationship but certainly would have preferred not sharing this event. Now, due to this terrible lightning strike, he and his son are in desperate need of funds to help with their medical bills including medivac transportation, emergency rooms, extensive Trauma ICU care, hospital rooms and soon rehabilitation and therapy.
On Sunday June 7, 2020, Mark and his adult son, Matthew, went to Hobe Sound Beach in Florida to fish from the beach shore for a few hours in the afternoon. As they were packing up for the day, around 4:15 pm, both of them were struck by lightning. It knocked both men to the ground. It hit Mark in the neck and exited his hip and did damage on the way. He was unconscious with burns and a cardiac arrest. Matthew fared slightly better as he was hit above his eyebrow, just missing his eye. He couldn’t get up and was confused with difficulty breathing and in a lot of pain.
Mark and Matthew were fishing about 200 yards north of the Hobe Sound Beach Pavilion and fortunately the Martin County lifeguards on the beach were alerted by a bystander’s 911 call. The lifeguards rushed to help Mark and Matthew. The Jupiter Island Police also assisted in response to that 911 phone call.
Mark’s heart had stopped and CPR was started right away. Matthew was still on the ground unable to stand or walk. The rapid response of the lifeguards and the police without a doubt saved Mark’s life.
Mark was initially rushed by ambulance to the Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room, then by ambulance to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from the beach. He was stabilized at St. Mary’s where the hospital determined he needed special care provided elsewhere. So, the same night he was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami (about 75 miles). Jackson Memorial is the nearest Level 1 Trauma Center of the 10 Trauma facilities in Florida. Mark was placed in the Level 1 Trauma Center’s ICU where he fought for his life with a tube inserted in his chest and on life support.
Matthew was transported by helicopter to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from the beach. He could remember the lightning strike and seeing his Dad lying still on the beach not breathing. He was very worried about his father. His hands were numb, and he was in excruciating pain from his back, through his shoulders and down his arms.
Jill Johnson, Matthew’s mother and Mark’s wife, was notified of the incident, its severity, and which hospital each was taken to. Due to COVID 19, she was not allowed to see or visit with Mark or Matthew. She wanted them to hear her voice and be comforted by her touch but instead she had to stay home waiting for telephone updates.
Mark Johnson is 64 years old. He is an Army Veteran having served overseas. He spent his work career building and maintaining heavy production machinery for several large manufacturing companies in the Northeast. Mark retired with a modest pension several years ago and was covered under Jill’s work policy. Jill retired 2 years ago from a 30-year career with the phone company and was able to continue their medical coverage at a reasonable expense. However, just recently, the retiree benefit changed, and Mark lost his coverage under Jill’s plan. Mark tried to secure VA medical coverage but was repeatedly denied coverage even though he is a Veteran who served overseas. Medical coverage with other insurers was so expensive that Mark’s modest pension would not be enough. So just recently, Mark decided that he had to go without coverage until he qualifies for Medicare. That was a worrisome and hard decision but he was in good health and certainly never expected a lightning strike.
Sadly, when Mark was struck by lightning, he was not covered by any medical insurance. It will be financially devastating for Mark to pay these huge medical bills.
GOAL – RAISE $100,000 TO OFFSET THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL EXPENSES
Mark Johnson:
10 Days ICU Medical Care, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Intensive Care Unit
2 Additional Inpatient Days, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, General Population
Urgent Care Transport Expenses: 1st From Hobe Sound Beach to Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room, Jupiter; 2nd to St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Palm Beach, and 3rd to Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami. 4th from Jackson Memorial Hospital to Encompass Rehab Center in Stuart.
Trauma Team Activation Charges, Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami.
Emergency Room Charges, St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Palm Beach.
Emergency Room Charges, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter.
Emergency Room Charges, Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami.
Expected Future Expenses include: Physical/Neurological Rehab Services and Medical Procedures.
Matthew Anderson is 32 years old and, until recently, was employed at a local restaurant in Hobe Sound, and had an apartment in the area. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and closed his place of employment, Matthew moved into his parents’ condo to save money. Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to cover the cost of a medical insurance policy and is not covered by any medical insurance now. It will be financially devastating for Matthew, unemployed and living at home, to pay the huge medical bills stemming from this lightning strike.
GOAL – RAISE $10,000 TO OFFSET THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL EXPENSES
Matthew Anderson:
Urgent Care Transport Expenses to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from Beach.
Emergency Room Bills, St. Mary’s Medical Center.
3 Days Inpatient Medical Care, St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Expected Future Expenses include: Physical/Neurological Rehab Services and Medical Procedures
They Were Not Being Irresponsible to Be Fishing There
Lightning had not been expected based on the conditions that were described by Mr. John Pendergrast with the National Weather Service (NWS) during an interview with the Palm Beach Post after the incident. There were no storm watches or warnings in the area of the strike. And, his review of NWS lightning data also showed there was not a lot of activity in that area, however their equipment did show a distinct strike on the beach at that location. He further explained that lightning does not necessarily seek out metal, it is more likely to strike taller objects such as fishing rods in an open area. Since Mark and Matthew were holding fishing rods at the time of the strike and were separated from others by some distance, they were conceivably more of a target. (The Palm Beach Post weblink reference here).
We’ll Have Updates on Mark and Matthews' Hospital Stays and Progress Also
See the Following Links for More Initial Coverage of the Lightning Strike
WTVX – WEST PALM
http://cw34.com/news/local/fishermen-struck-by-lightning-on-hobe-sound-beach
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH9a9m5hI24
TCPALM – TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS
https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/martin-county/2020/06/08/two-men-critical-condition-after-lightning-strikes-close/5318685002/
NEWSBREAK.COM
https://www.newsbreak.com/florida/hobe-sound/news/0PHSTGBe/lightning-strike-that-injured-two-a-reminder-of-floridas-deadly-summer-storms
ABC Channel 25 WPBF NEWS
https://www.wpbf.com/article/two-men-rushed-to-hospital-after-struck-by-lightning-on-hobe-sound-beach/32792980
THE PALM BEACH POST NEWSPAPER
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20200608/lightning-strike-that-injured-two-reminder-of-floridarsquos-deadly-summer-storms
BITCHUTE.COM
https://www.bitchute.com/video/wP36tPQDt8Oo/
Hello, family and friends of Mark Johnson and his son Matthew Anderson are trying to help with their medical expenses after a terrible accident. Mark is one of those rare special guys who really does help others by giving of his time and skills. He helped me and several of his neighbors with endless house projects. He is skilled machinist and carpenter and truly enjoys helping others. Mark and Matthew share a close father and son relationship but certainly would have preferred not sharing this event. Now, due to this terrible lightning strike, he and his son are in desperate need of funds to help with their medical bills including medivac transportation, emergency rooms, extensive Trauma ICU care, hospital rooms and soon rehabilitation and therapy.
On Sunday June 7, 2020, Mark and his adult son, Matthew, went to Hobe Sound Beach in Florida to fish from the beach shore for a few hours in the afternoon. As they were packing up for the day, around 4:15 pm, both of them were struck by lightning. It knocked both men to the ground. It hit Mark in the neck and exited his hip and did damage on the way. He was unconscious with burns and a cardiac arrest. Matthew fared slightly better as he was hit above his eyebrow, just missing his eye. He couldn’t get up and was confused with difficulty breathing and in a lot of pain.
Mark and Matthew were fishing about 200 yards north of the Hobe Sound Beach Pavilion and fortunately the Martin County lifeguards on the beach were alerted by a bystander’s 911 call. The lifeguards rushed to help Mark and Matthew. The Jupiter Island Police also assisted in response to that 911 phone call.
Mark’s heart had stopped and CPR was started right away. Matthew was still on the ground unable to stand or walk. The rapid response of the lifeguards and the police without a doubt saved Mark’s life.
Mark was initially rushed by ambulance to the Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room, then by ambulance to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from the beach. He was stabilized at St. Mary’s where the hospital determined he needed special care provided elsewhere. So, the same night he was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami (about 75 miles). Jackson Memorial is the nearest Level 1 Trauma Center of the 10 Trauma facilities in Florida. Mark was placed in the Level 1 Trauma Center’s ICU where he fought for his life with a tube inserted in his chest and on life support.
Matthew was transported by helicopter to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from the beach. He could remember the lightning strike and seeing his Dad lying still on the beach not breathing. He was very worried about his father. His hands were numb, and he was in excruciating pain from his back, through his shoulders and down his arms.
Jill Johnson, Matthew’s mother and Mark’s wife, was notified of the incident, its severity, and which hospital each was taken to. Due to COVID 19, she was not allowed to see or visit with Mark or Matthew. She wanted them to hear her voice and be comforted by her touch but instead she had to stay home waiting for telephone updates.
Mark Johnson is 64 years old. He is an Army Veteran having served overseas. He spent his work career building and maintaining heavy production machinery for several large manufacturing companies in the Northeast. Mark retired with a modest pension several years ago and was covered under Jill’s work policy. Jill retired 2 years ago from a 30-year career with the phone company and was able to continue their medical coverage at a reasonable expense. However, just recently, the retiree benefit changed, and Mark lost his coverage under Jill’s plan. Mark tried to secure VA medical coverage but was repeatedly denied coverage even though he is a Veteran who served overseas. Medical coverage with other insurers was so expensive that Mark’s modest pension would not be enough. So just recently, Mark decided that he had to go without coverage until he qualifies for Medicare. That was a worrisome and hard decision but he was in good health and certainly never expected a lightning strike.
Sadly, when Mark was struck by lightning, he was not covered by any medical insurance. It will be financially devastating for Mark to pay these huge medical bills.
GOAL – RAISE $100,000 TO OFFSET THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL EXPENSES
Mark Johnson:
10 Days ICU Medical Care, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Intensive Care Unit
2 Additional Inpatient Days, Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, General Population
Urgent Care Transport Expenses: 1st From Hobe Sound Beach to Jupiter Medical Center Emergency Room, Jupiter; 2nd to St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Palm Beach, and 3rd to Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami. 4th from Jackson Memorial Hospital to Encompass Rehab Center in Stuart.
Trauma Team Activation Charges, Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami.
Emergency Room Charges, St. Mary’s Medical Center, West Palm Beach.
Emergency Room Charges, Jupiter Medical Center, Jupiter.
Emergency Room Charges, Jackson Memorial Hospital Trauma Center, Miami.
Expected Future Expenses include: Physical/Neurological Rehab Services and Medical Procedures.
Matthew Anderson is 32 years old and, until recently, was employed at a local restaurant in Hobe Sound, and had an apartment in the area. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and closed his place of employment, Matthew moved into his parents’ condo to save money. Unfortunately, Matthew was unable to cover the cost of a medical insurance policy and is not covered by any medical insurance now. It will be financially devastating for Matthew, unemployed and living at home, to pay the huge medical bills stemming from this lightning strike.
GOAL – RAISE $10,000 TO OFFSET THE FOLLOWING MEDICAL EXPENSES
Matthew Anderson:
Urgent Care Transport Expenses to St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, about 32 miles from Beach.
Emergency Room Bills, St. Mary’s Medical Center.
3 Days Inpatient Medical Care, St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Expected Future Expenses include: Physical/Neurological Rehab Services and Medical Procedures
They Were Not Being Irresponsible to Be Fishing There
Lightning had not been expected based on the conditions that were described by Mr. John Pendergrast with the National Weather Service (NWS) during an interview with the Palm Beach Post after the incident. There were no storm watches or warnings in the area of the strike. And, his review of NWS lightning data also showed there was not a lot of activity in that area, however their equipment did show a distinct strike on the beach at that location. He further explained that lightning does not necessarily seek out metal, it is more likely to strike taller objects such as fishing rods in an open area. Since Mark and Matthew were holding fishing rods at the time of the strike and were separated from others by some distance, they were conceivably more of a target. (The Palm Beach Post weblink reference here).
We’ll Have Updates on Mark and Matthews' Hospital Stays and Progress Also
See the Following Links for More Initial Coverage of the Lightning Strike
WTVX – WEST PALM
http://cw34.com/news/local/fishermen-struck-by-lightning-on-hobe-sound-beach
YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH9a9m5hI24
TCPALM – TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS
https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/martin-county/2020/06/08/two-men-critical-condition-after-lightning-strikes-close/5318685002/
NEWSBREAK.COM
https://www.newsbreak.com/florida/hobe-sound/news/0PHSTGBe/lightning-strike-that-injured-two-a-reminder-of-floridas-deadly-summer-storms
ABC Channel 25 WPBF NEWS
https://www.wpbf.com/article/two-men-rushed-to-hospital-after-struck-by-lightning-on-hobe-sound-beach/32792980
THE PALM BEACH POST NEWSPAPER
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20200608/lightning-strike-that-injured-two-reminder-of-floridarsquos-deadly-summer-storms
BITCHUTE.COM
https://www.bitchute.com/video/wP36tPQDt8Oo/
Co-organizers (8)
ROBERT ROSS
Organizer
East Boxford, MA
Barbara Ahordini
Co-organizer
Jill Johnson
Co-organizer
Kristen Johnson
Co-organizer
Mark Johnson
Co-organizer