Support Ken Savage's Battle with Illness

Hi, My name is Tim and we are raising funds for our friend and buyu Ken Savage. Who is the we? We are the students, friends, and buyu of Ken Savage.

It is important to us as he has given so much to our matial arts community over the many years as an instructor and facilitator. He is a shining light for us. Providing a safe space for us to Explore, Challenge and Develop ourselves not only as Martial Artists but as good people with a warrior mind, body and sprit.

This is very personal for myself I met Ken when I was just 18 years old. I am now 52 and although we do not get to see each other as much as we would like. We still talk via text and FB messenger. Since that time. He has always been one of my biggest Cheerleaders, Guide, Mentor and Coach. From raising my daughter to my busines, life and the martial arts. I am not sure where I would be without his light to guide me and I am sure many others have similar stories. Right now he needs a hand up. I am hoping you will help.

Since September 2022, Ken has been battling various medical conditions:

One is Peripheral Vascular Disease. He has dealt with ulcerations on both legs below the knees, was hospitalized in January 2023 and was then treated outpatient through an agency called The Vascular Care Center in Leominster MA. He lost all aspects of privacy as he had to depend on visiting nursing 4 days a week. He’s healing but it’s been an uphill battle with many setbacks (with dozens of surgeries). At one point there was talk of amputating both of his lower legs - Luckily through hard work and determination he prevailed and kept both legs!

Ken has managed through weekly surgeries called mechanical debridement (they cut away dead tissue to make way for living tissue) and once the open ulcers cleared, hydrotherapy was an option.

As of today, most of the wounds on his lower legs are healed sans one on his outer right ankle. He’s still in pressure wraps, still has visiting nurses 3x per week, still does his leg compression sleeves 3x per day (1 hour per session) and now sees vascular care every two weeks.

His circaid leg wraps (his forever plan/ in lieu of tight socks) are measured and ordered…

Now being diagnosed with four chronic illnesses (Peripheral Vascular Disease, Lymphedema, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Arthritis) has been physically, mentally/ and Spiritually challenging and depressing… Keep in mind that is Four chronic diseases (chronic are managed never cured)…

When Ken and his wife divorced, he made a commitment to remain in Winchendon until his youngest left for college. That time has arrived! Ken will be moving back to his family home in Lynn at the end of June.

He has been rejected multiple times for disability, yet he can’t work, and he’s not supposed to drive. When this first started, he received a one month paycheck along with a guarantee from his work that they will hold a position if he were able to return to work. The summary/ end result is he has no insurance and went from working 60 hour weeks to living off his savings and now retirement. 16 months of not working would financially destroyed anyone.

Ken is still not supposed to drive, is constantly sick (fatigue and low energy as his body works to heal) and is soon moving!

Let’s help Ken with the move and life expenses as he continues to work on his recovery!!

New England Warrior Camp