Mason's Crime Victim Recovery Fund

On September 30th, 2017, I was involved in, as a victim, of an aggravated robbery in downtown San Marcos.  In my attempts to stop the robbery, I was stabbed by one of the suspects five times. Once in my right wrist, once in my face, and three times in my back. Through rapid emergency response, life saving care was given to me by first responders, and surgeons at the South Austin trauma center. Because of this care, and by the grace of god,  I am still alive today.  Both assailants were obtained that night, and are currently in jail, facing aggravated robbery charges, which carries up to a life sentence.  In terms of my physical, and emotional health, I am recovering well. However, two weeks following the incident, critical surgery was needed in order to repair full function in my right hand as a result of the wound suffered there.  Two of my radial tendons were severed, as well as nerve damage suffered that may never be restored. Unfortunately, this surgery has left me unable to perform my duties as an electrician, and is going to put me out of work with my company for at least 2 months. Though I do not qualify for FMLA, or critical disability through my employer, they have granted me a leave of absence during my recovery which allows me to effectively stay employed, and keep my medical insurance benefits. Unfortunately,  this leave of absence is unpaid, and I will still be responsible for paying insurance premiums back to the company. 

 This financial responsibilty to maintain my coverage only begins to scratch the surface though. Medical bills for the treatment I received at the Trauma Center, the surgery performed on my hand, and ongoing treatment for recovery have already exceeded $13,000, and are still increasing. Basic living expenses must still be covered as well, including rent, electricity, various other bills, and food. Because of my unpaid leave of absence, I will not have any income coming in for at least two months. The only other paths of financial recourse that I have available, are to sue the attackers, which will unfortunately lead to nowhere, as they have both proven to be indigent, and have no money to assist with my recovery. The other path is through the State of Texas, and the crime victims compensation fund, for which I have already applied. The process for obtaining this restitution is a lengthy, and slow one. Additionally, there is no gaurantee of full restitution, or how long it will take to start receiving these funds. The average time I have been told so far has been 8-10 weeks once claims are submitted, again with no gaurantee of dollar amount. 

As we all know, life does not stop under these circumstances, landlords still expect terms to be fulfilled, utility companies still expect payment, grocery stores still require a monetary exchange for the goods they sell, and hospitals still want payment for services rendered.  Over the next couple of months I will be faced with many visits to doctors offices, physical therapy appointments, and other obligations as a result of this incident. Many of these obligations require travel to Austin from San Marcos, and I currently do not possess a vehicle, therefore I rely upon the kindness of friends and family for transportation to and from.

What I am asking for from you, is to help in any way that you are financially able, in order for me to keep a roof over my head, sustain a basic standard of living, and prevent my financial ruin as a result of the crime that I fell victim to.  To all of my friends, family, and acquaintances from the San Marcos, and Facebook community, anything you are able to do to help in my recovery, and relief of this undue financial burden, will be greatly appreciated, and will be going to a good cause. Thank you to all, and be well!