Help Support JJ Jr. with Recovery Expenses

Help Support JJ Jr. (Jermaine John Mendez, Jr.) with Recovery and Living Expenses

On June 6, 2021, one of our precious young native Islanders, Jermain John Mendez, Jr. was riding his new “Sur Ron” electrically assisted bicycle to a friend’s house on the Oak Bluffs County Road bike path, when tragedy struck.

While riding on his bike, he came upon an oddly blind curve, and found his evasive action was not enough to avoid a head on collision with a tree. The accident occurred at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 6, 2021. JJ was wearing a motor cross helmet and practicing all necessary safety measures therefore most likely avoiding a more tragic outcome. A couple driving by witnessed the accident as well as a neighbor that heard the impact and called 911.

When the ambulance arrived, they stabilized JJ, and immediately transferred him to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Once he arrived at the hospital, it was quickly determined that his injuries would need to be treated elsewhere. JJ Jr. was then Med Flighted to Mass General and brought straight into the I.C.U.

JJ’s injuries include a cerebral fracture, fractures to his right hand, right femur, pelvis, and ribs. He also sustained lacerations to his liver and spleen as well as a punctured lung.

JJ is still undergoing surgeries to repair all the trauma. It is likely he will have many more doctor visits, possible surgeries, and rehabilitation.

During the expected long recovery period, JJ will be faced with lost wages, medical bills, travel expenses, etc. The funds will be used to pay for travel expenses from the Vineyard to MGH(Boat tickets and gas)any medical bills not covered by insurance or tribe, all regular bills
such as(insurance, car, school) that he would normally pay with he regular wages. He will be out of work for a projected 6-9 months as his body heals and rehabilitation takes place. All of these funds are deposited directly into JJ's account that I (his mother) am also on, in order to make sure all bills are getting paid. 

We are asking our incredibly supportive community to please help JJ Jr. and his family with the financial support they will need to help get through this long recovery