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Member Grouchyturtle Urgently Needs Your Help!

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DebbyDiver

Livin' the dream
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A well-loved ScubaBoard member, grouchyturtle, Capt. Chris Gruno, suffered a stroke and has no health insurance. I first met him on ScubaBoard and we became friends and would chat about our mutual interest in moving to the islands. Later, when I moved to the USVI, he visited me there and more recently, I've relocated to Key Largo, just up the road from Islamorada where he has been living aboard his catamaran, the Grouchy Turtle. We've gotten together a few times with our dogs since I moved back to the Keys, and it's always fun hanging out with him.

Chris is a super great guy, he's only 41 years old, seemed to be in healthy and great shape, as of right now I have no idea what caused the stroke. I've learned that someone was with him and got him airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. His sister and father flew down from his hometown in New Jersey to be with him. One of his dear friends is raising funds to help with medical costs...Chris has NO health insurance. His family is trying to get him moved to a hospital in New Jersey so his family can care for him while he recovers.

It is so sad that this has happened to my friend. He ditched cubicle life at an early age to follow his dream and live aboard his sailboat, and he is a local snorkel boat captain and SUP instructor. He has a little rescue dog named Sparky who he adores. Thankfully, a friend got Sparky off the boat and is caring for him.

Here is a GoFundMe account started by one of Chris' dear friends. Would you consider helping him just a little bit? Even if you don't know him, just know he's a great guy and if several people chipped in just $5 or $10 it would add up to help get him home and help with medical bills.

Here is the GoFundMe link: Click here to support Let's Help Chris by Douglas Mackie

If you want to get to know more about him, here is his blog Grouchy Turtle | SUP Snorkel Sail...with Sparky!.

Thank you for helping my friend!

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The next 24 hours are very critical, according to Chris' sister. Please keep him in your prayers, and consider helping out a little with medical costs. Thank you!
 
Donated and shared.
 
His sister posted this yesterday. Nothing new since then.
Many family and friends are asking about my brother's status... Chris Gruno needs continued prayers. For tomorrow we are praying there is no more change on his scans/MRI.

Please pray that brain swelling goes down, please pray that he gains mobility in his right arm/hand, please pray that he finds his voice, please pray for the strength he needs to see and feel the sun shine on him.

He needed a lot of sleep today. Please pray that tomorrow he's up for music and well wishes being read to him from his family and friends. Please pray for his my mom, dad and I to continue to see small miracles/signs every day to continue to keep our strength. Thank you for all of your love and support.
 
His friend just posted
MRI's today, hoping the swelling is going down. Our boy is still in the woods. We are all pulling for Chris. His dad and Sister are standing watch in Miami, and we are all doing it around the USA. Thank you everyone for helping. BTW the 15000 target I set is arbitrary at best. Feel free to bust the target, cause I believe Chris will need a whole heck of a lot more. Again, I can't say it enough, thank you.
 
Improving!!! From his friend:
Hey everyone! I just got off the phone with Chris! I did the talking mostly, but he reacted and got a few words out. I told him that we love him, and that we are all pulling for him. I mentioned some names and talked about some good times, and he reacted as well. Thats a great sign. I kept it short, and had Jess give him a kiss from all of us and told him this will be behind him and all will be good.

If you have anything you want me to pass on to him, please pm or call me, and when i speak to him tomorrow, i will pass it along to him.

He is still in a real tough spot, but with us pulling for him, he will be unstoppable.

Thanks again....i will keep you updated.
 
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