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<div>Iam and a friend were assaulted by a large group of masked assailants. The attack left both badly beaten. Dozens of blows to the head caused severe concussion, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and a subdural hematoma as shown by monthly CTs. His left eye suffered severe trauma causing vision impairment. Consistent debilitating headaches, ongoing physical challenges, and cognitive impairment continue. While the physical scars have largely healed, CTs showed an increased bleed over 6 months later, necessitating brain surgery earlier this year. Sadly, a second hemorrhage found is integral to providing blood flow to his right eye, ruling surgery out or risking blindness, causing real concern for the health of both eyes. 

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<div>An ever growing team of specialists: ophthalmology, neurology, trauma, orthopedics, and rehabilitation over many months leave much uncertainty. Recovery is an ongoing uphill challenge. The physical and cognitive deficits he has endured could prove to be permanent, but he is striving to maintain positivity under the conditions. Now over a year of being medically uncleared to work, financial sustainability is a very dire and immediate concern. Medical bills accumulate, with no end in sight – and the basic costs of living (rent, phone, insurance, utilities, food, etc.) cannot be met without help. Personal loans are piling up; favors are extended to exhaustion. It’s very uncomfortable asking for help in this way, but few options remain; when we’ve exhausted all options and still need help, we must call on everyone we love, care about, rely upon, and trust, as well as the kindness of strangers. The road back has proven to be considerably longer and more complicated than anticipated, while trudging through bureaucracies and endless forms. 

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<div>Mental health is a very real concern and physical atrophy becomes more and more difficult to combat under the circumstances. 

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<div>Accessing financial assistance is increasingly difficult to obtain and often inaccessible. Please help a victim of criminal violence through a period of hardship and recovery. We are beyond grateful to everyone who has helped and to anyone able to contribute or support. 

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<div>Funds will be applied toward medical bills, rent, utilities, both human and pet food, insurance premiums, as well as accumulating debts.   

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<div>Despite being assaulted blocks from his home, Iam cares deeply for the neighborhood he has called home for over 20 years. Thank you for caring for each other, and for everything you’ve already done. The kindness and generosity has been integral. We all hope to see him back in action soon! 

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Samuel Fassbender

Jessica Dwyer

Ali Sperling

Owen Goldin

Anonymous

Sarah Buchler

Denise Brown

Nicole Mishler

Allison Geschke

Help: Assault, Brain & Other Surgeries, Recovery

Help: Assault, Brain & Other Surgeries, Recovery

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