Ex-Congressman Michael Grimm Left Paralyzed in Horse Accident, GoFundMe Raises Over $77,000 for Recovery
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated on Sunday, November 10, 2024, detailing how 54-year-old former Congressman Michael Grimm fell off his horse while playing polo, leading to a devastating situation. The campaign was launched under the aegis of the Michael Grimm Supplemental Needs Trust and hopes to raise sufficient funds for his extensive care and treatment.
The campaign stated:
“He has been in the most devastating of situations, and through the grace of God, Mr. Grimm has miraculously threaded the needle to survive. Yet, his ongoing care and treatment to walk again will cost millions of dollars.”
According to a report by the New York Post, quoting Grimm’s friend, he was thrown off his horse while playing polo and has been left paralyzed below his chest.
Michael Grimm’s friend Vincent Ignizio, former South Shore City congressman and current deputy executive director of the New York City Board of Elections, provided an update about his latest condition, stating:
“He’s currently immobilized and is being treated to try to regain the function that he can obtain. A lot of prayers are needed.”
Ignizio also requested prayers and donations on his Facebook handle. The GoFundMe campaign has set a target of $2.5 million and has raised over $77,000 and counting.
The former congressman is receiving medical care at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey. For the unversed, it is the same medical facility where Superman actor Christopher Reeve received rehabilitation treatment after he fell from a horse that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
The GoFundMe page is receiving broad support, with former Brooklyn councilman Domenic Recchia contributing to the fund. Recchia also stated that he hoped to see Grimm walk again.
He added:
“This isn’t a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s a human issue. He’s a human being. Michael Grimm gave his life for our country in the Armed Services. We have to unite together.”
Staten Island Republican Party’s Michael Tannousis also highlighted Grimm’s military service and urged everyone to come together as one community.
Michael Grimm Served a Jail Sentence
Grimm, a Republican, was found guilty on 20 counts, including serious charges of tax evasion, wire fraud, and mail fraud. He was also charged with failing to report more than $1 million in income from his Upper East Side restaurant. Grimm pleaded not guilty and was out on bail with a $400,000 bond. However, he was sentenced to eight months and completed his sentence in September 2015.
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