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Our friend Justin (Juss) is in need of support! We are trying to help our dear Juss get back on his feet after a series of unfortunate events that have resulted in unprecedented medical bills, extreme emotional and financial hardships, and needing to relocate cross-country.
Justin has been suffering from long-haul Covid complications since 2020 that have left him with chronic dyskinesia and akathisia, typically permanent movement conditions similar to that of Parkinson’s disease and a severe verbal tourettes-like tic disorder. These complications have resulted in a number of limitations and obstacles for Justin including:
- Inability to work and produce income, in addition to wiping out his savings account to cover living and medical expenses.
- Severe chronic pain and dangerously compromised immune system.
- Sensory challenges that make it difficult to be in noisy or overstimulating environments. Running errands and socializing are very difficult.
- Needing to attend several doctor and therapy appointments every week. He’s had over 250 appointments since he contracted long-haul Covid back in 2020.
To add insult to injury, Justin and his service dog Rex were recently displaced from their home right before Thanksgiving and then Justin was brutally assaulted by his hired Home Health Aide. Landlord negligence resulting in raw sewage-borne illness, infestation, and structural complications making his apartment unlivable, Justin had to leave his apartment. Thankfully, he has renter’s insurance that has allowed for him to relocate temporarily. However, Justin was then viciously attacked and assaulted by his State-hired Home Health Aide on December 8, 2022. In the attack, he sustained several serious and less serious injuries including:
- Broken ribs and bruising on his lungs
- Lacerations on his face and head
- Severe trauma to his left arm as it was slammed in the front door repeatedly as he called out for help
- PTSD, trauma, inability to sleep, and feel emotional safety and security
Many of his injuries will take months to heal, and Justin is trying to move on from the fear and trauma. The assailant was apprehended and has been charged–we don’t yet have details about what will happen legally but court action is actively being pursued.
In an effort to secure a living situation more conducive to his medical needs and required lifestyle adjustments, Justin has made the decision to relocate from NYC to his previous home of Hawaii, where he can continue to heal in the support of loved ones, a slower pace, and a much-needed decrease in sensory stimulation. Funds raised will also go towards a
It’s been a tough decision to make–he has always been grateful for his community, the culture, and people of Harlem and NYC–but it’s clear that he needs to continue his healing journey somewhere slower, quieter, and living with close family/friends.
Anything you can give will be a HUGE help to Justin. Please share this GoFundMe page if you can and reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Thank you so so much!
~ Kendra
Organizer and beneficiary
Justin Geer
Beneficiary