Joshhy ... day 7

I've spent the last week with Joshhy. After he was released from the hospital and his parents went back home, he had to begin to face the realities of what had happened to him, and begin to deal with what was happening to him. Being shot and beaten and spending almost 4 days in the hospital is enough trauma for anyone. Getting out and realizing that his problems were just beginning has almost pushed him over the edge.

His car was stolen and eventually recovered, to be put in an impound lot on the other side of town. The police needed to use it for evidence and the lot decided that they wanted to be paid for storing it. $85/day plus towing. Not covered by insurance.

His insurance only covers emergency care and one follow-up visit for any doctors.
Each additional visit runs from $140 - $300 + supplies and meds.

He still has a nickel sized hole thru his arm (bone, nerves and tendons involved) and has not had the surgeries to repair that. In the mean time he is on anti-bacteria meds and pain pills. He is still in a lot of pain and can not use his right arm at all. Being a right hander it makes it very difficult to do even the basic things of life. While he tries to be positive he is constantly frustrated and easily gets depressed.

He is extremely thankful to the people who have helped him and specially Joey, who has stood beside him literally since Friday. Very few friends would be there as staunchly as he has. Between he and I, Joshhy was never left alone at the hospital nor here at home. One of us was always there every time he woke up screaming either from pain or the nightmares he lives with.

One of his previous employers had set up a web site for him which was removed by a jealous former friend of his and a friend of mine has done a very nice blog entry and is running a give-a-way to a donor ( scroll to the Feb 14th post). Thanks to both for their support and caring.

Joshhy February 12^th 2012 

On February 9^th 2012 Joshhy was shot in his right wrist and brutally beaten with a 45 caliber pistol, and rushed to the ER by a good Samaritan.  At the hospital he was told he would need at least 3 surgeries to repair his wrist and regain full movement of the wrist and hand.  He will almost defiantly be deaf in his left ear for the rest of his life and may not regain full use of his right hand.  He has suffered bruises and swelling throughout his body.  To this day he has not been able to have a full night’s sleep due to stress, anxiety, and nightmares.
Insurance isn’t covering everything if you would like to donate please click below to donate.

Thanks and Hugz
Joshhy

Diego Duran

On New Years Eve, 12 year old Diego Duran was playing on his skateboard on the ramp he and his father had just built.  Moments later he was laying on the ground bleeding from his head.  He had been hit in the head by a "falling bullet." That is what happens when you fire a gun into the air to celebrate something and don't think about the repercussions.  The old law of Physics applies ..."What goes up, Must come down."

Diego spent almost a month in the hospital, over a week in a coma, and has had several surgeries. As of the last I've heard the bullet is still logged in his head.

Diego's family is not wealthy nor do they live in a big house.  Luckily they have some insurance but it is never enough.  They are very appreciative of any assistance that can be offered.

Diego went from this...

To this in moments....

He is now out of the hospital but may need more surgery and always needs the prayers and help of the community.  

The family and friends have set up a Face Book page Friends of Diego Duran  

REMEMBER, IF YOU FIRE A GUN ... IT CAN END UP LIKE THIS! 

The irresponsible person who did this has NOT been caught YET.. but eventually they will.  

This is a bit long but it is a great look at the city where I grew up... the weird looking Ball with the letters CB under it is a city landmark. It is the Citizens bank Weather ball. It can be seen from all over the city and it lights up with a color to correspond to tomorrows weather, and will be solid if clear and blinking if precipitation. I grew up a few blocks from the StJohn Vianney church and school that are shown.. I also went there and was there when that huge church was built. Watching this brings back tons of memories .. some great and a few not so great but seeing my old schools, the College I attended and some of the neighborhoods that have survived the problems has been fantastic. Thanks to the producers of this.