Michael Labue and John Alan Cooke Carjacked
Donation protected
Just weeks after moving into their new home in New Port Ritchie, Florida -- finally living the dream, having purchased the first home either one has ever owned – my dear brother-in-law Michael and his partner John have been dealt a terrible setback. I am asking their friends and family to consider a donation to help them through this difficult time.
Backing out of their driveway Sunday afternoon (9/29) they were confronted by a criminal, armed with a flare gun, who was desperately fleeing the police. The assailant forced Michael from the car by firing a warning shot, and when brave John attempted to defend him John was shot at point blank range in his face and left ear with the flare gun. Michael was physically unharmed, but John was taken to emergency by ambulance and later transferred from their Tampa emergency room to a hospital in Sarasota/Bradenton with a specialized burn unit where he is being treated for severe burns to his face and left ear. Here is the article from the local paper.
While their spirits are remarkably positive for what they have been through, and John’s injuries appear to be healing, the doctors decided to keep him in the hospital to avoid the risk of infection as he awaits his second reconstructive surgery. John will likely be incapacitated for several months while his skin grafts heal. Their car has been totaled, and while it only had ~50k miles on it, the car was a 2006 model year so the insurance is unlikely to cover a replacement. And Michael and John will have many expenses that are not covered by Medicare or other insurance. These expenses will include travel to and from the hospital, which is two hours away, replacing their car, support for John while he is incapacitated at home, and medical bills not covered by Medicare. This is why I am asking you to give whatever you are comfortable sharing to help cover some of the unexpected bills until they can get back on their feet...literally and figuratively.
Thank you for your consideration!
Sue Topel-Samek
Backing out of their driveway Sunday afternoon (9/29) they were confronted by a criminal, armed with a flare gun, who was desperately fleeing the police. The assailant forced Michael from the car by firing a warning shot, and when brave John attempted to defend him John was shot at point blank range in his face and left ear with the flare gun. Michael was physically unharmed, but John was taken to emergency by ambulance and later transferred from their Tampa emergency room to a hospital in Sarasota/Bradenton with a specialized burn unit where he is being treated for severe burns to his face and left ear. Here is the article from the local paper.
While their spirits are remarkably positive for what they have been through, and John’s injuries appear to be healing, the doctors decided to keep him in the hospital to avoid the risk of infection as he awaits his second reconstructive surgery. John will likely be incapacitated for several months while his skin grafts heal. Their car has been totaled, and while it only had ~50k miles on it, the car was a 2006 model year so the insurance is unlikely to cover a replacement. And Michael and John will have many expenses that are not covered by Medicare or other insurance. These expenses will include travel to and from the hospital, which is two hours away, replacing their car, support for John while he is incapacitated at home, and medical bills not covered by Medicare. This is why I am asking you to give whatever you are comfortable sharing to help cover some of the unexpected bills until they can get back on their feet...literally and figuratively.
Thank you for your consideration!
Sue Topel-Samek
Organizer
John Alan Cooke
Organizer
New Port Richey, FL
