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Justin's story

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Hello Everyone,

I am writing you in regards to my friend Justin Esposito. The very fact you are reading this suggests that you know Justin. That doesn’t mean you know his story. In January of 1999, my friend Justin was in the back seat of a car when it was forced to swerve to miss an oncoming vehicle that had crossed into their lane. Justin's car careened down a 50-foot embankment. Several first responders were nearby and saved Justin's life, but nonethless, he sustained a C4, C5, C6 spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from his chest down. After a year of rehab, modifications made at home, a powered wheelchair, and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, Justin was ready for a new normal.

After a spiritual awakening in 2007, Justin has spent the years tirelessly serving in the church and his community. He helped build a network of praying groups around the state of Virginia, as well as starting a ministry of corporate prayer for his city (Manassas) called, "The Watch" that is in its 10th year of bringing together many folks from different congregations for the purpose of united prayer and blessing for his city, his state, and the nations of the earth. He is also part of the leadership team that is coordinating the "National Day of Prayer" for his city. Those who know and love Justin know of his undying service to help anyone in need, from the homeless and those in prison, to the leaders in our community and churches.

Justin’s wheelchair-accessible vehicle is now 19 years old and it is on its last legs. He has been advised that it is irrepairable and the trade-in value (for parts) is only $2500. Prior breakdowns of the ramp have led to precarious situations, with Justin being stuck in the van without a way to get out.

There is also a 2nd issue that is health-related, but not covered by any of his insurances. Over the years, Justin has had many different medical conditions that required many different types of medications to help remedy the issues. These medicines have finally taken a toll on his teeth and he now requires implants because he doesn't have the hand, wrist, and finger dexterity to manage dentures.

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign with the goal of raising enough money to cover the expenses for these two large expenditures. We have put this off for a few years because Justin is so averse to asking for help. But he has given so much to so many; we now have an opportunity to give back to him. Justin's ministry requires that he be able to travel and be able to speak, and it's those exact 2 areas that he now needs help. Will you be a part of helping Justin?

The best solution to these 2 issues is:

-New set of bridge implants @ $40,000
-New wheelchair-accessible van @ $65,000

For a total need of $105,000

If you look on-line, you will see some cheaper options for both, but because of Justin's special needs, the less expensive options that are on the market aren't viable for him.

If not enough money is raised, then there are some other options:

-A used wheelchair-accessible van would be between $30,000-$50,000 (depending on condition and age)

-Another option would be to use money that is raised as a downpayment on a van and then continue with monthly payments. This could lower the initial need down to $10,000.

-Additionally, there are some more dramatic and challenging solutions for the dental work that would require travel to another country.  But we aren't considering that at the moment, as the challenges for that would be steep, and we're trusting our community that we can help Justin without resorting to that.

Thank you for being willing to help!

If you would prefer to send a tax-deductible donation via check, then please mail to:

New Covenant Fellowship (write "Justin Esposito" in the memo line)
9618 Clover Hill Road
Manassas, VA  20110
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Donations 

  • Steve Bartlett
    • $200 
    • 5 yrs
  • Mary Lou Hornby
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
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Fundraising team: Justin (2)

Steve Steinberg
Organizer
Warrenton, VA
Joe Esposito
Beneficiary
Justin Esposito
Team member

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