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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsJeff Bauman, Boston Marathon Bombing Hero, Receives Over $360,000 In Online Donations
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/20/jeff-bauman-donations-boston-bombing_n_3123795.html
Jeff Bauman, Boston Marathon Bombing Hero, Receives Over $360,000 In Online Donations
The Huffington Post | By Harry Bradford
Posted: 04/20/2013 4:59 pm EDT | Updated: 04/20/2013 5:16 pm EDT
His actions may have been vital in helping police catch the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, even after the attacks both his legs were amputated from the knee down. Now some of that heroism is being returned.
Nearly 10,000 people have now donated to Bucks for Bauman, an effort to help pay the medical expenses of Jeff Bauman, the Boston Marathon bombing survivor known not only for a now iconic -- and extremely graphic -- photo, but also for helping the FBI identify at least one of the bombing suspects. Set up by his friends on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe, the fund has already raised more than $360,000 since last Tuesday to help pay for Baumans devastating injuries.
The support rallied around Bauman, which includes efforts from his coworkers at Costco, is a bright spot to an otherwise tragic tale. It also puts the medical costs faced by the 176 injured victims of the bombing, estimated to exceed around $9 million, in stark relief. Many victims will end up needing days or even weeks of intensive care, which may cost up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, according to NBC News. Likewise, prosthetics for 14 victims who received amputations may cost as much as $50,000 each.
Those with permanent injuries resulting in disability may also face the financial strain of losing employment, according to NBC News.
Still, help does appear to be on the way. One Fund Boston, set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Tom Menino, has already raised more than $7 million, while donations keep pouring into other charities, as well as private funds for victims, according to CBC. Injured newlywed couple Patrick and Jessica Downes also raised more than $400,000 with the help of online donations, according to Yahoo News.
But its not just victims of tragedies who face staggering medical bills. Health care costs overall have risen at such a rate that its estimated the average cost of health insurance will exceed the median income of an American household by 2037.
Brickbat
(19,339 posts)We wouldn't have to set up funds, or beg for donations, if health care were the priority it should be.
A person's injury or illness or malady shouldn't have to come from a tragedy to earn the health care everyone deserves.
Politicalboi
(15,189 posts)Great news, I hope he and other victims get all the help they need.
enough
(13,235 posts)If you're heroic enough, or sympathetic enough, you'll get the money you need. I'm very glad he and all the others are getting the donations and hope they continue to get them. But most people who need it are not going to be a blip on the media screen.
FailureToCommunicate
(13,988 posts)they want to:
Scholarship fund established for Marathon victims and families by UMass Lowell
From Marty Meehan, Chancellor, UML
We have established the UMass Lowell Boston Marathon Scholarship Fund, which will benefit any member of the University community, including their families and alumni, who has been affected and wants to pursue an education here.
Anyone who is interested in making a donation to the scholarship fund should contact
Danielle_Callahan@uml.edu <mailtoanielle_Callahan@uml.edu?Subject=UMass%20Lowell%20Boston%20Marathon%20Scholarship%20Fund%20Established> .
Danielle_Callahan@uml.edu