Support Chazz's Road To Recovery

Chazz (Aka Charlie AKA Carlos) Menendez was at ground zero in the days and weeks following the September 11th attacks, selflessly volunteering his time and health to help in any way he could in the aftermath of a national tragedy. 12 years later, in 2013, Chazz was diagnosed with non-terminal brain cancer, a long-term condition that was linked to the toxic fumes he breathed at ground-zero. This diagnosis has led to numerous seizures and forced him to retire from his career early. For the past 11 years, Chazz has undergone 6 brain surgeries, displaying a remarkable will to persevere while taking care of his family.

After his 6th brain surgery on June 21st, Chazz was left paralyzed, only able to move his left arm and hand. He spent 4 weeks at Sloan Kettering NYC, 4 weeks at Burke Rehabilitation Center and is now at Skyview Rehabilitation Center at Croton-On-Hudson . Thanks to his hard work and positive attitude, he’s made significant progress, including regaining function in his left hand and even walking a few feet.

Despite his progress, Chazz faces a long road to recovery. He is still wheelchair bound and will require ongoing support and help at home. The lower living space and bathroom must be renovated for wheelchair handicapped accessibility as he can’t be released until his home meets these requirements.

We are reaching out to ask for your support to help cover his ongoing expenses, full time caregiver, continued OT & PT support. Future operations pending, and necessary ADA compliant living space renovation. This has been an incredibly challenging time for our family and any contribution, big or small, will make a difference. Your generosity and support mean the world to us.

Thank you for your support and we appreciate all of the good wishes and donations.

Sincerely,

The Menendez Family

“I’m so sorry to those I haven’t been able to respond to, both those who know my situation and those who might not. Following my brain surgery on June 21st, I was paralyzed from the neck down. Thankfully, my left arm and hand have regained some function, but being right handed it’s made staying in touch difficult. My legs have started moving again thanks to the speech OT & PT team here at Burke Rehabilitation Center but I have a long road ahead of me. I’m up to the challenge and just want to say thank you to everyone for the support and donations. It means so much to me and my family. Thank you all and I hope to see you soon.”

- Chazz Menendez