Help Me Help My Son-In-Law, Todd Humes!

My name is Patrick Scutella. I’m a dad who is a little outside his comfort zone in starting this GoFundMe page. As a father, you hope your kids will always be okay. That means your extended family too. In this instance, my worry focused on my son-in-law, Todd Humes…husband, father, sensei, teacher, poet, competitor, champion, and last but not least, an exemplary role model to my two grandsons. That’s our Todd.

A few months ago we learned that Todd was experiencing some fairly serious medical issues. Todd and Lucia got the diagnosis after extensive testing and some false starts. Todd was diagnosed with a rare brain ailment, Arnold Chiari-type malformation with Tonsillar Ectopia. (See video link.) I am starting this GoFundMe to help Todd Humes and my daughter, Lucia offset some of the expenses incurred trying to get Todd back to good health. All donations will be used to help them cover the cost of medical bills, and additional expenses incurred, including, but not limited to brain surgery, treatment, therapy, medications, and travel. And we are grateful for any help you can offer.

When I first met Todd, he projected confidence and strength, but also gentleness when he interacted with those around him. How he treated my daughter, Lucia was especially notable. Always the gentleman, Todd even asked my permission to propose to Lucia. I can say that I love my son-in-law not only for the exceptional human being he is but also for how he has formed a beautiful family with Lucia and my 2 grandchildren.

Some fun facts about Todd even beyond his role in our family are that Todd is a 7th-degree Black Belt in the arts of Tae Keon Do and Tang Soo Do and a Black Belt in American Freestyle Sport Karate. He is a two-time United States National Karate team member, and a nine-time National and State Champion in all four categories of competition. In 2012 he won the NBL (National Black Belt League) Men's Point Fighting World Championship. He also designed and created Tae Quatics, the “Pinnacle of water workouts.” Before his diagnosis, Todd was the Head instructor, and GM of two Premier Martial Arts Schools near Cleveland, Ohio. He taught over 200 students the disciplines of Krav Maga, Kickboxing, and Tae Kwan Do, specializing in child development and training the mindset of being a Black Belt on and off the mat. Todd was even featured in several B-Movies. ”Swamp Zombies” 2005 and “Curse of the Wolf” 2006 are just two! Todd is a rabid Buffalo Bills Fan (in our family of Browns fans) and a poet who writes beautiful poetry for my daughter.

When I hinted that Todd is special, I may have understated it. He is kind, hard-working, creative, and resilient. He’ll make the best of the hand he’s been dealt and never complain. But for now, we just want Todd, Lucia, and the boys to be able to focus on recovery and healing. With your help, some of their financial burdens will be alleviated. Thank you again.