Medical Assistance for Russ A Ford

In the early hours of the morning on February 10, 2023, Russ suffered a horrific fall at home which resulted in a very serious spinal injury. He was medevacked to the US where he received emergency surgery by a Bermudian orthopedic surgeon. Russ’ initial diagnosis was that of quadriplegia, however, with perseverance and rehabilitation, his condition has been upgraded to paraplegia. He is currently still receiving care in the hospital rehab unit where his daily therapy sessions have continued to test his fortitude and determination.

Russ has reflected and expressed that “Life has changed and everything is different”. His faith has been tested right to the wire, but he deeply believes that all things happen in God’s time, His way and not ours.

The daunting process of discharge planning has begun for his family, healthcare team and friends. Due to his lower body paralysis, Russ will require special assistive devices and resources for his daily care when discharged from the hospital. Although he has insurance, the cost of acquiring, shipping and maintaining the medical equipment will be prohibitive. His needs include a motorized wheelchair, a special bed for spinal injuries, a hoist, daily medical supplies to support his daily living, rehabilitation therapy and a full-time caregiver.

The goal is to assist Russ in covering some of the out-of-pocket costs for his care.

Russ trained in Jamaica as a Nurse and served his community as a Bermudian Nurse for 42 years. In the 80s his name became synonymous with the fearless fight for victims of the AIDS epidemic and in 1984, he successfully founded and named Agape House, Bermuda’s first and only hospice.

During the Aids epidemic in 1986, he was instrumental in co-founding the support group STAR, (Supportive Therapy for AIDS persons and their Relatives). Additionally, he appointed the first Hospice Aids Committee spearheaded by Reverend Chris Colledge and Shabazz. Under his direction, the first Friends of Hospice Committee chaired by Dr. Sandra Hillman was appointed.

In 1984, he was seconded to Addiction Services from St. Brendan’s Hospital and appointed the Senior Nursing Officer at the Department of Corrections.

In 2012, he assumed the role of Senior Probations Officer with an assignment to the Mental Health Treatment court where he currently still serves.

Today, the STAR MOTTO crafted in 1986 has a new meaning for Russ, "As long as a man has life, let him live, don’t shut him out.”

Russ is known for quietly giving to those in need both locally and internationally.

In 2007, Russ along with his 72-year-old mother, sisters and friends walked into the village of Efutu Mampon located in the center of Ghana. On that day, a lifetime relationship was formed with Chief Amosi and the villagers. The welcoming greetings received at their first meeting were one of respect and reverence.

Russ’s elderly mother, Kathleen, was invited to sit next to the Chief to formally meet the elders and other villagers. This momentum occasion left an indelible impression on Russ, and he purposed in his heart to meet the needs of the Chief and his people. Russ bid farewell to Chief Amosi and his people but left with a renewed spirit in his heart to bless the village through his kind and generous donations, thus remaining an integral part of the community.

Russ has been instrumental in the completion of numerous projects in the village including the building of two classrooms, renovations to the nurse’s clinic and educational support to address the ongoing needs of the villagers. A midwife was trained who now conducts the home births along with maternal child healthcare services. Many students have graduated with their high school diplomas and in January 2023, the classroom floors were rendered to remove holes and windows and a front door were installed for the safety and wellbeing of the students.

In December 2022, at the invitation of Chief Amosi, Russ along with his guests was invited to Ghana to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime event. In recognition and appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the 650 villagers of Efutu Manpon, he was enstooled as Nkosuohen (Development Chief) in the Cape Coast. Under the Traditional Authority, a three-phased ceremony took place on December 27, 2022. At this ceremony, while clothed in the traditional Ashanti dress, a special ceremony took place where his name was changed from Russ Alan Ford to Nana (Chief/King) Kodwo Wirrom II. The village also participated in and witnessed an official Ghanaian engagement to his fiancé, Lynnee.

When Russ and company walked out of the village waving to the villagers, they had no way of knowing this would be his last wave and walk down the dusty footpath in the village.

The news of his traumatic injury triggered disbelief and caused large ripples throughout the Bermuda community. In response to the many calls and queries about what people can do to help, a Go Fund Me account has been set up by his family to ease the financial burden incurred. Russ laments that “service to humanity is the greatest gift to mankind”.

Russ along with his family solicit your assistance and thank you for your prayers, well wishes and financial gifts during this very difficult season in his life.

Thank you to Mr. Chayse Tanner, Step-son of Mr. Ford for agreeing to collect funds on his behalf.