Harry Bologna
This GoFundMe site has been set up for the direct benefit of Harry Bologna, a permanent Virginia Beach, Virginia resident who is currently based at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Harry is recovering from a tragic event in Afghanistan on October 21, 2015. Harry was there as a contractor with a U.S. national defense agency and stepped on a land mine; as a result of the explosion, he lost both of his legs and suffered a broken pelvis and internal injuries. Yet as with his prior 23 year career as a US Navy SEAL, Harry continues to exhibit a no quit, only move forward attitude that is a source of incredible inspiration.
The campaign was initiated on November 1, 2015 by CBRE | Hampton Roads as part of its annual “No Shave November” effort. That initial “Get Hairy for Harry” campaign ended on November 30, 2015 with $116,255 raised ! That money will be put to good use to help in his recovery and rehabilitation at home after he is released from the military hospitals; while his care to date has been excellent and paid for by the government, there are expected to be gaps in coverage for care beyond his actual hospital bills while he learns to get back on his “new feet”.
Harry has requested that the GoFundMe site be kept open after December 1, 2015 so that he can stay in touch with those that have supported him already and so that he has somewhere to refer people in the future who say they would like to help also. All funds raised after December 1, 2015 will continue to help Harry provide financial support for his family.
Harry and his wife Julie have 2 young daughters enrolled in Virginia colleges (one at JMU and one at Virginia Wesleyan). Harry is working now with his medical team to get stronger and be in position to be transferred in early 2016 from Walter Reed to the Center for the Intrepid in Fort Sam Houston, Texas. The Center for the Intrepid is known for its state-of-the-world technologies for amputee care and rehabilitation.
Harry is committed to more than walking again; he wants to go out and help others also !