Brian's Uncovered Medical Costs

My name is Mike Schippell. I have been playing baseball with Brian Bond for over 28 years on the same team in the Long Island MSBL. He lives in Pennsylvania but still drives about 3 hours every Sunday during the season here and back right after the game ends. The level of commitment to his teammates goes beyond reason. It’s a friendship and connection we have all made that is not replaceable. For that, I understand why he will not play for any local teams that are available close to his home. He is an amazing player; even at his age, he plays like a youngster and always gives you everything he has, not to mention his high level of intensity and will to win. He's a one-of-a-kind guy and has great family values, which always come first with Brian.

Four weeks ago, we played in a national tournament down in Florida. Late in one of the round-robin games, Brian was on 2nd base, and the pitcher wheeled around to attempt to pick him off, but unfortunately, the ball struck Brian directly in the jaw. After being on the ground for several minutes, he refused to come out of the game, all the while spitting out blood from his mouth. The game ended about 30 minutes later, and finally, we got him to go to the ER. Ultimately, he had cracked several teeth and a broken jaw. He was laid up in the hospital for almost three days waiting for surgery, which was postponed a couple of times. Finally, after a few days, they wired his jaw closed. One of the guys on the team, Willie, drove him back to Pennsylvania where he tried to recover. While suffering in constant pain, he followed up over a week later with a local specialist only to find out that the first surgery was botched up. His jaw was all out of alignment, and he would need to have another surgery. Most people would be depressed and angry, but Brian, being who he is, just takes things as they come and keeps moving forward. He had the surgery last week and is doing a little better but still somewhat uncomfortable, understandably.

The reason why we are trying to raise this money is due to the fact that his first surgery was not covered, and he is being held responsible for over $5,000 in medical bills. Being out of work for several weeks already, and probably for several more going forward, this is obviously a big burden and expense. So we are trying to help him out and keep him afloat, to not get buried and fall too far behind. Please find it in your heart to help out an amazing man. Even if it’s $10.00. Every little bit will get us to our goal.

Thank you