Help SEXYSTRONG Foundation Today charitable organization
Working today to change tomorrow, One step at a time!
Update 1/1/21
Beauden Baumkirshner and Gregg Garfield
Today I would like to update you about some inspiring individuals that The SexyStrong Foundation was able to help this past year in the name and loving memory of David Caristi because of your love, support and generous donations... First, Beauden Baumkirchner. Here is his story:
His family was vacationing from Arizona. Forty-eight hours after falling off his bike and scraping his knee at the Mission Bay RV Park he was rushed to Rady Children’s Hospital where he had both legs and two fingers amputated. His doctors said he contracted an unusual and aggressive staph infection. “That's one of the things that we battle with to this day. What happened, why did it happen and [there are] unfortunately not a lot of answers,” said Brian Baumkirchner, Beauden’s father. Beauden was admitted to the hospital on Oct. 7 and spent two and half months there and had 20 surgeries. He returned home just before Christmas. The doctors still don’t know how he got it but say had his parents waited an hour or two longer to take him to the hospital he could have died. Home videos of Beauden show how he is adapting to his new life and thriving despite the physical challenges. He goes to physical therapy three times a week in addition to seeing an occupational therapist. “Since he was a baby, he's always been a shining light. He has this positive energy about him,” said Juliana Baumkirchner, Beauden’s mother. That resilience has helped Beauden adapt to his training legs that will prepare him for his prosthetics. “He has an 'I can do it' attitude. He wants to do everything,” said Juliana.
He’s also adapted to questions from other kids asking about his legs. “A 4-year-old girl came up and said, ‘Hey Beauden where are your legs?’ It gives me goosebumps to this day. His response was so admirable. ‘I got sick and they’re gone,'” said Brian. It’s his smile and determination that inspire Beauden and his family to see the positive no matter the circumstances. “There are hard days and good days but always a step in the right direction,” said Brian. Beauden’s family said they are forever grateful for the community support and everyone at Rady Children’s Hospital.
Next, a patient from Southern California who was known as Patient Zero. Gregg Garfield was the first coronavirus patient admitted to his hospital. He was on a ventilator for 30 days and doctors gave him a 1% chance to live.
He was near death in the hospital for 64 days and had some of his fingers and toes amputated. He says he contracted the virus while on a ski trip with friends in Italy back in Feb. 20, 2020. All of his friends on the trip got sick and returned to the US on March 1st and checked into the hospital. “Medically speaking, I should not be here, From MRSA, to sepsis, to kidney failure, to liver failure, pulmonary embolisms, burst lungs — four of them.”
He was able to leave the hospital — in a moment that went viral — in early May, but he needed to have all of the fingers on his right hand, and most on his left, amputated.
“I’ve survived this. I’m doing fantastic,” Garfield said, “However, take heed on this. My hands are never going to be the same. I don’t have fingers anymore. But now Gregg is thriving and has beat COVID-19. He’s even skiing again.
We also made a sizable contribution to a wonderful organization, The Abled Amputees Foundation. The Sexystrong Foundation is SO proud to be able to support these causes through your generosity in Big Sexy's name. We wish to continue to do so in the years to come. Right now, the foundation is working to establish annual scholarships through Everett High School and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, which both of these institutions played a huge role in Big Sexy's life and would want to pay it forward . If you would like to help (or to continue to support our cause) you can make a donation anytime (tax-deductible & fee free) directly through our website www.sexystrongfoundation.com OR direct through Paypal: sexystrongfoundation@gmail.com. In addition, I would like to ask you all, if you personally know or become aware of any needing individuals/families facing or dealing with amputations and in need of assistance (whether financial, or "other", such as prosthetics, transportation, or even groceries, clothes or other goods that the SSF may be able to assist with), PLEASE, contact us using the button on the bottom of the page or you may contact the following board members and liaisons directly: Chris Cormier, Mindy Cormier, Joseph Lavino, Frank Petrillo, Erick Sousa, Beno Thompson and Joshua Paine and let us know how we can help. Thank you ALL!
The Abled Amputees Foundation
We provide funding to rehabilitation facilities for the purpose of paying for rehab for amputees who are need of financial assistance. This includes those who are uninsured and underinsured. We encourage full participation by the patient, while providing education resources and inspiration.
Update 1/1/20
Sam Halpern and Matt Bemis
Today I would like to tell you all about some of the wonderful people, family and causes that The SexyStrong Foundation was able to help this past year in their time of need and in the name of David Caristi because of your love, support and generous donations... First, Sam Halpern of Lynnfield, in 2018 this brave 6 year old faced an unfathomable challenge, his diagnosis similar to David's. Here is his story:
Sammy (Sam Halpern) developed complications from an overwhelming streptococcal infection and on February 7 of 2018 and was rushed to the hospital in critical condition with a sudden and severe infection in his blood. In a matter of hours Sammy went from being a spunky, happy six-year-old to a child kept alive by emergency surgeries and life support.
After 7 days on life support his body was able to start supporting itself but it was apparent that the infection had caused irreparable damage to his limbs. By the end of the month, Sammy had lost both legs below the knee as well as his right hand to this dreadful infection. Sammy's fight has been incredible but it's far from over. Medical costs for Sam's care and rehabilitation are extraordinary and will be ongoing for the rest of his life.
Next, Matt "Bemo" Bemis of Keene, New Hampshire. A close personal friend of my longtime friend Mike Hoadley (of Chelsea, Market Basket and Pope John HS fame). I first heard of his tragedy on facebook and then through his gofundme me page. (I will try to add links to both Matt and Sam's stories to this post). I will let Bemo's story be told in the words of his friend Mike Michael Selig...
On April 13th, 2019 Matthew “Bemo” Bemis was critically injured. He was riding on his motorcycle in Keene, NH when a vehicle neglected to stop at a stop sign crashing head on into his side. He was immediately airlifted to Dartmouth Hospital where he went into emergency surgery. Unfortunately they were unable to save his foot. There are still multiple surgeries that Matthew has to undergo to verify the extent of the injury.
Matthew, 38 years old, is an active athlete whom loves sports. He is also an active member of several baseball, traveling softball teams and part of the Keene Men’s Hockey League.
Matthew has a son and a daughter, Taylor (16) and Avery (9). His goal is to be able to play with his kids again, and all the sports he loves! He has strong family values, a great sense of humor and is as tough as they come.
We also made a sizable contribution Amputee Coalition of America.The Sexystrong Foundation is SO proud to be able to support these causes through your generosity in Big Sexy's name. We wish to continue to do so in the years to come. We are also in the process of establishing annual scholarships through Everett High School and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. I chose not to ask for donations from our family and friend base today as you all know by now if you would like to help to (or to continue to support our cause) you can make a donation anytime (tax-deductible & fee free) directly through our website www.sexystrongfoundation.com OR direct through paypal: sexystrongfoundation@gmail.com.
In addition, I would like to ask you all, if you know personally or through any medium of needing individuals or families facing or dealing with amputations and in need of assistance (whether financial, or "other' (such as prosthetics, transportation, or even groceries or clothes or other goods that we may be able to reach out to our community to provide) PLEASE, Reach out to myself: Chris Cormier, Mindy Cormier, Joseph Lavino, Frank Petrillo or Erick Sousa and let us know how we can help.
Thank you ALL again and Happy New Year! been at it, and what got them to where they are.
Learn More
Sam Halpern of Lynnfield, in 2018 this brave 6 year old faced an unfathomable challenge, his diagnosis similar to David's. Here is his story:
Update 1/1/19
Additional Information
Happy New Year everybody from the SexyStrong Foundation! We are pleased to announce that the #SexyStrong foundation has made donations to the Caristi family to cover the associated costs of the funeral and memorial services. In addition, we have made donations in David Caristi's name to the #VegasStrong, #BostonStrong and #WoundedWarrior movements. It is our hope that that these funds may go to help ease the financial and emotional burdens and pains of those injured or the families of those needlessly killed... We will continue to accept donations through our website and gofundme in an effort to continue to support these programs (and programs like them) as well as possible future ADA Pharmacy Scholarships and potentially "adopting" specific cases of need. We look forward to working with you all in the future on behalf of and in memory of "Big Sexy" David Caristi.. Thank You All.
Update 10/30/18
Additional Information
Unfortunately, David's battle to regain his health and ability to walk has come to an end. I want to thank everybody for all the love, prayers, support and donations you have provided over the last 18 months. I also want to thank everyone for their kind words today via facebook, text, messenger and groupme. I know the majority of you have been involved and following the play by play from that fateful day last April. We've been pretty candid about the day to day and specifics so I don't see any reason to hold back now for those who would like to know... Yesterday afternoon (10/29/18) David was receiving wound care treatment at home from his visiting nurse. They were discussing the Red Sox World Series win and the upcoming Patriots game later that evening. He was in good spirits but suddenly developed some shortness of breath and passed out. She called 911 right away and initiated CPR until the ambulance arrived. The ER doctors told me upon arrival that they worked on him for 45 minutes but were unable revive him. I take solace in the fact that he was not alone or in pain when he passed. I am thankful for his home nurse, paramedics and medical staff that they did everything they could for him. David was also an organ donor, after I spoke with the donor network last night I am happy to report that due to David's gifts others may be given the chance to live, see, walk or just have a more normal life. We will continue the SexyStrong Foundation in David Caristi's name and memory.
About Us
Inspiration behind #SexyStrong
As all of you know, our dear friend David “Big Sexy” Caristi received a double leg amputation in April of 2017 and due to complications of the surgery spent a month in ICU and many months thereafter in different stages of inpatient rehabilitation. David is now home and able to care for himself while the last of his leg wounds and pressure ulcers heal. Currently, David has been fitted for his Prosthetics and will have to relearn to walk, drive and function in his everyday life with his new legs.
Why we need YOUR help
Unfortunately, this type of life-changing incident and the subsequent care needed do not come cheap. David’s first hospital bills were for over $837,000.00 dollars and have since skyrocketed to well over a million dollars. While David did have insurance through work he was on the lowest tiered plan that the extent of what they will pay and what David’s financial obligation may be are still undetermined. Being a healthy and able 40 year old man, David had not signed up for Long-term Disability, nor did he have coverage for any “accidental death or dismemberment” (A lesson to us all come next open-enrollment period at your jobs) David’s financial status going forward is uncertain. His expenses will continue to grow, many of which we find out as he goes (housing, transportation, prosthetics, wheelchairs, future surgeries related to his condition, or new health issues as a result of.) We are unsure of David’s Long-term disability status and when or if he will be able to return to work.
How you can help
Knowing of David’s financial burden and knowing what a large, strong, friend and family base he has, A few of us have come together and worked to create a 501c3 (tax exempt) charity organization in David (Big Sexy’s) name. It is called the “SexyStrong Foundation Inc.”. We are asking for your help via donations through gofundme.com. All donations will be tax-deductible and in some cases you may be able to have your employer match your contribution! (This varies from company to company, please contact your employers Human Resource Department to find out if they participate) Anything you can afford will help us reach our goal. With your support David will not have to stress or worry about his financial future and will be able to afford and take the next steps he need to regain normalcy at his own pace. As a 501c3 non-profit charity we intend to give a small portion of our proceeds to other similar charities in which Big Sexy and those comprising the #SexyStrong Foundation hold near and dear to our hearts. We intend to help both the #BostonStrong and #VegasStrong survivors and families.
Donate via PayPal
*UPDATE*
We are NOW able to accept donations directly through PayPal. If you would prefer this method, please click the Paypal link below.
Your generous gift will help us fund our mission to help those in need. Together, we can make a difference.
