As law enforcement officials and media outlets are still trying to determine the facts surrounding Monday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon, it is believed that three people are dead and at least 170 people have been injured. One of those injured people is Jeffrey Bauman, Jr., whose legs were amputated in the wake of the bombing. But despite his injuries and condition, Bauman was still able to describe one of the two suspected bombers to the FBI from his hospital bed.
Bauman’s story has become one of the more notable in the wake of the attack, as the media has focused on how he was reportedly waiting at the finish line for his girlfriend as he made eye contact with one of the bombers, who placed the bag on the ground in front of him. After the explosions, a picture of Bauman being wheeled away from the blast area by other runners and emergency medical personnel was being posted across news sites and social media platforms despite its more graphic nature.
But it was that photo and his description to the FBI that created Bauman’s hero status among online communities, as he was even visited in the hospital by actor Bradley Cooper and New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman. It also led to his friend, Brooke Gibbs, creating an account on gofundme.com to raise money for Bauman’s medical bills.
*We have created this fundraiser to raise money to help support our dear friend, Jeff and his family. As most of you know, Jeff was severely affected by the tragedy that had taken place at the Patriots Day Boston Marathon this year. Throughout this difficult time we want to help in every which way we possibly can to get Bauman back on track as soon as possible.
*Medical bills are going to start rolling in, let’s get a head start on helping out Bauman and his family! Every dollar counts!!
“We all knew you were the nicest kid, now we know your the strongest!!”
We’re all praying for a quick and safe recovery!
The fundraising goal is set at $1 million, and in the past several days, contributors have already amassed as much as $339,761 for Bauman’s medical expenses.