More Than $65,000 Raised For Russ Ford
An online fundraiser aiming to raise money for medical assistance for Russ Ford has raised more than $65,000 of its $200,000 goal as of today [April 17].
The GoFundMe page says, “In the early hours of the morning on February 10, 2023, Russ suffered a horrific fall at home which resulted in a very serious spinal injury. He was medevacked to the US where he received emergency surgery by a Bermudian orthopedic surgeon.
“Russ’ initial diagnosis was that of quadriplegia, however, with perseverance and rehabilitation, his condition has been upgraded to paraplegia. He is currently still receiving care in the hospital rehab unit where his daily therapy sessions have continued to test his fortitude and determination.
“Russ has reflected and expressed that ‘Life has changed and everything is different’. His faith has been tested right to the wire, but he deeply believes that all things happen in God’s time, His way and not ours.
“The daunting process of discharge planning has begun for his family, healthcare team and friends. Due to his lower body paralysis, Russ will require special assistive devices and resources for his daily care when discharged from the hospital. Although he has insurance, the cost of acquiring, shipping and maintaining the medical equipment will be prohibitive.
“His needs include a motorized wheelchair, a special bed for spinal injuries, a hoist, daily medical supplies to support his daily living, rehabilitation therapy and a full-time caregiver.
“The goal is to assist Russ in covering some of the out-of-pocket costs for his care.
“Russ trained in Jamaica as a Nurse and served his community as a Bermudian Nurse for 42 years. In the 80s his name became synonymous with the fearless fight for victims of the AIDS epidemic and in 1984, he successfully founded and named Agape House, Bermuda’s first and only hospice.
“During the Aids epidemic in 1986, he was instrumental in co-founding the support group STAR, [Supportive Therapy for AIDS persons and their Relatives]. Additionally, he appointed the first Hospice Aids Committee spearheaded by Reverend Chris Colledge and Shabazz. Under his direction, the first Friends of Hospice Committee chaired by Dr. Sandra Hillman was appointed.
“In 1984, he was seconded to Addiction Services from St. Brendan’s Hospital and appointed the Senior Nursing Officer at the Department of Corrections.
“In 2012, he assumed the role of Senior Probations Officer with an assignment to the Mental Health Treatment court where he currently still serves.
“Today, the STAR motto crafted in 1986 has a new meaning for Russ, ‘As long as a man has life, let him live, don’t shut him out.’
“The news of his traumatic injury has triggered disbelief and caused large ripples throughout the Bermuda community. In response to the many calls and queries about what people can do to help, a Go Fund Me account has been set up by his family to ease the financial burden incurred. Russ laments that ‘service to humanity is the greatest gift to mankind’.
“Russ, along with his family. solicit your assistance and thank you for your prayers, well wishes and financial gifts during this very difficult season in his life.”
Best wishes, Russ.