Stephen Biondo Recovery Fund

Hello! My name is Brian Mogren, and I’ve set up this GoFundMe page for our mutual friend/relative, Stephen Biondo. As I write this, Steve is undergoing open heart aortic valve repair and replacement surgery to install a mechanical valve. He will subsequently have an operation to install a defibrillator to keep his heart beating properly. These are major surgeries which will require a very long recovery period.
 
For over two decades, Steve worked in public schools as a Special Education Paraprofessional, often caring for some of the most challenging students with special needs. In the spring of 2015, Steve experienced an aortic dissection and emergency bypass surgery that his surgeon said he was very lucky to have survived. Because of the rigorous physical demands of his job in Special Ed, he was no longer able to return to his work in the schools.
 
Most recently Steve was driving for MetroMobility, a job he really enjoyed, however due to health demands of his own, he had to step down–just one day before he suffered a cardiac arrest on July 11 that lead to his surgery today.

Today he was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Marfans Syndrome which helps explain why he has had all these heart problems. We are now just beginning to learn what this syndrome is and its impact on Steve's health.
 
It’s unclear what the future holds for Steve in terms of employment. Ultimately he would like to go back to school and learn a new trade that is more suitable for his health. Following this kind of surgery it is likely that he will get some kind of longer term disability assistance through Social Security, however this could take several months to secure, and it isn’t guaranteed. In the meantime he will need help with daily living expenses like his paying his rent ($800/month).
 
I have created this Go Fund Me campaign to help him with critical living expenses to get him through these next few months. The goal is to provide enough to pre-pay his rent for 3 months, and provide $200/month for incidental costs like ride share trips to doctor's appointments, co-pays for medicine, etc. Fortunately, he should be able to get a little bit of grocery support from the County for the short term.

I hope you will join me and others who care about Steve in contributing to this fund. Every little bit helps! 

If you prefer to write a check, you may make it out to Stephen Biondo and send it to:

Brian Mogren
c/o St Jane House
1403 Emerson Ave. N.
Minneapolis, MN 55411
 
Whether you are able to contribute or not, would you consider sharing this link on your Facebook page?
 
Thank you!!
 
In gratitude, love and possibility, Steve's friend, 

Brian

P.S. If you have any questions, ideas, or would like to offer other kinds of support please message me directly. Thanks!