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Justin was injured in a fall in August, 2007, sustaining a spinal cord injury that caused him to become a quadriplegic. He is a client at Journey Forward, an intensive exercise-based rehab facility in Canton, MA.
2017:
Dear Friends and Family,
It’s the time of year that I like to give you an update on Justin and ask that you consider a year-end tax-deductible contribution to assist with ongoing rehab expenses, which are not covered by medical insurance.
As you probably know, Justin has been attending a rehabilitation program called Journey Forward since they opened in January 2008. He has made tremendous progress as you can see from the photo. His intense desire, determination, and dedication were rewarded in 2015 when he received the “3D’s” Award for those attributes. Although he has not seen increased movement in his extremities, he continues to improve his core strength which assists in his positioning when in the bed or wheelchair. We follow developments at Invivo Therapeutics in Cambridge, the Miami Project, research at Rutgers, research on spinal cord regeneration in marine life at Woods Hole, and the University of California at San Diego. We continue to be hopeful about a stem cell transplant with matrix and scaffolding. There will probably not be one “magic bullet” but a number of modalities that will work concurrently.
We see a clinical trial for Justin in the near future and this is all due to Justin’s hard work at Journey Forward and his use of the standing frame and electrical stimulation bike at home. Because so many people have supported Justin emotionally and financially, he has moved forward. He is back at Berklee College of Music majoring (online) in music business. He is expected to graduate in May 2018. I live with him, and his courage continues to amaze me every day.
To assist with these expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in honor of Justin Graceffa with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the Northeast Catastrophic Injury Fund in honor of Justin Graceffa. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. If you would like to make an end-of-year tax deductible contribution, please click the Give button.
Your support would be tremendously appreciated. My unending gratitude and best wishes to you.
Thank you,
Dolores (Dee) Russo
Hi everyone, first, I’d like to thank everybody once again for all the donations people have sent me this past year. It makes such an impact and it’s hard for me to put into words how much it means that people are still donating after all these years. Haven’t posted any updates or pictures in a while so I figured I would post some pictures from my time at Empower SCI this past summer as well as my three most recent and favorite paintings today. Thank you again everybody who supported me.
Hi everyone, wanted to thank you all again for your donation this year. It’s hard to believe that it’s already been over 15 years but you are all still supporting and giving to me. It means so much, I cannot thank you enough. I wanted to include some pictures and a video from my time at Empower as well as some pictures of my artwork. Something that has become a really big part of my life.
If you’d like to see more of my art please just out my instagram @HellOnWheels5757
Hey everyone, just wanted to add some recent pictures of me at my rehab facility Journey Forward. This is where all the generous donations you’ve given me over the years go to. Your continued support I will go a long way to my progress.
Justin just got his new van. 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan. Thanks to all who made this possible.
Justin will be moving to his own apartment in Brookline Village in September 2018. It will be difficult to get everything set up, but hopefully open up new opportunities for him.
Justin graduated "Magna cum Laude from Berklee Collegelof Music on Saturday May 12, 2018. He led the 1049 graduates into the Agganis Arena at Boston University, where the Commencement was held.
It took me over 9 years but I finally graduated. Thanks to everyone who has support me along the way! Check out my graduation flyer under Albums below!
Justin has been invited to participate in a clinical trial at the Univ of Louisville in Kentucky. We traveled down there in March 2015 and although he met all the criteria, they were not recruiting at that time. We will be going down there again during the last week in June. If he meets all the criteria, he will be enrolled in the Epidural Stimulation study with about 39 other people. He will have to live there for 18-24 months.
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Justin,
You had quite a year in 2023 and I'm sure 2025 will be even more eventful!! I enjoyed your November newsletter with updates. Empower SCI seems like a great organization. I am impressed with your work on MA PCA Council. Reaching out to refugee programs to discuss benefits of PCA work seems like a win-win situation; connecting folks with meaningful employment and filling a huge demand.
Glad you continue to pursue your passion of music and have developed another creative talent...painting.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy 2024.
Ellen Cobau
Wishing you all the best on your endeavors, Justin!
Beth Sanford
Mary Beth Sanford
Keep up the great work, Justin!
Best wishes,
The Larsen Family
Deborah Larsen
Justin,
What you have accomplished is nothing short of amazing. You are an inspiration to everyone who knows you. Someday I hope, I will have the opportunity to meet you.
Best wishes,
Al Pellecchia
Albert V Pellecchia Jr
Keep up the good work, Justin.
robert giarratana
Jason,
You are so impressive and have come a long way in spite of your disability. I wish you much success moving forward.
Maria DeSantis
Continued best wishes to you Justin! So impressed by all of your work!
Mary Foley
So proud of you!
Julie Crawford
Justin, I was so pleased to read that it has been a very fulfilling year for you. I love your art, particular the one entitled "My Masterpiece", but I've admired all pieces posted on Facebook also. Keep up the good work!
Best Wishes,
Marilyn Lamkin
Marilyn Lamkin
Congratulations on all you have accomplished this year! Keep up your positive attitude!
David Winske
We are very proud of all of your accomplishments!
Cara DeLucia
Justin- great to see you trying out kayaking! We'll have to chat next time I see you, I've gotten into it this past year too and love it. Hope you can get out on the water again this summer!
Lara Romanowski
Wonderful to hear of your progress! Keep up the positive attitude!
Claire Moir
Justin,
It was wonderful to receive your update and find out you're doing so well. Wishing you a productive, positive, and happy year ahead. Say hi to your mom for us :)
-- Kathy & Rich Newman
Kathy Newman
Proud od you Justin!
Sheryl Wharff
So proud of your achievements Justin!!
Jeanne DiNardo
❤️ SHS 68’ers Support each other ❤️ Thinking of Justin & sending hope & Love ❤️
Diane Ryan
You are an inspiration.
Susan Pritchard
Justin- Keep up the positive attitude and spirit! I enjoy seeing and hearing about all of your new paintings and artwork through Christina. Best wishes for another concert-filled year in 2023!
Lara Romanowski
To another year of progress and recovery!
Susan Gorman
Wishing you all the best, Justin, in your work!
Mary Beth Sanford
Happy holidays Justin and all the best in 2023.
With love from your neighbors!
sheryl wharff
Hi Justin!
Thanks for your recent update. We so admire and respect your determination and perseverance, and we hope the year ahead is filled with far more ups than downs. Hugs to you and your mom <3
-- Kathy & Rich Newman
Kathy Newman
Justin,
I'm your mom's friend from college. It's been many years since we met, but your letters tell an amazing story about how you have moved forward in your journey - yes - "Journey Forward".
May your progress continue.
Maria DeSantis
Maria DeSantis
Hi Justin.
You\'re looking good! Keep up the hard work.
Wishing you all the best.
Robert F Giarratana
With admiration and constancy,
love Jan and Joe Roller
Jan Roller
Glad you are making good progress. You are an inspiration.
Claire & Don Moir
Your hard work and good spirit is impressive Justin.
Karen Moore
Keep up your positive attitude!
Debbie Winske
Helping you and your mom continue to improve upon all the challenges you face. God bless
Carrie Deisenroth
So glad to hear of your progress, Justin. You have certainly inherited your Mom's amazing spirit and strength. Keep moving forward!
Donna Wade
Justin, I was pleased to read about the productive year you've had. Your advocacy work sounds very rewarding. I've been enjoying your beautful paintings on facebook. I hope that there will be lots more to come.
I wish you health and happiness in the coming year.
Marilyn Lamkin
Wishing you a happy and healthy year! Stay strong!
Jackie Hamwey
Hey Justin,
Glad you are doing SCI advocacy. You are a role model for Empowering those with SCI.
Keep on keeping on!!
Ellen Cobau, PT, RN
Ellen Cobau
Keep up the hard work and the beautiful smile on your face.
Love
The Lemkes
Bill & Steph
Bill and Stephanie Lemke
Here's to hard work and positive spirit. Never gift up.
Susan Gorman
It's so inspiring to see all of your progress--keep it up! Merry Christmas and cheers to you in the new year!
Lara Romanowski
Hi Justin,
Thank you for sharing your photos. I am happy and impressed with your hard work and progress. Keep at it! Love you and your Mom and wishing you both a Merry Christmas.
God Bless.
Robert Giarratana
Justin, We are so proud of all the progress you have made. Love, The Larsen Family
Deborah Larsen
Best wishes for a promising year ahead!
Debra Winske
Hi Justin! Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. We\'re so impressed with your determination and drive, and especially with your ability to overcome difficult and unexpected obstacles along the way. You truly are an inspiration! Please give your mom our best wishes and let her know we have moved -- our new address is 76 Paulson Road, Waban MA 02468. All the best to you always!!
Kathy & Rich Newman
Keep up the good work, Justin. I know you get a lot of your strength from your Mom, an amazing woman I met nearly 60 years ago. You both are inspirational with your courage and vision. God bless!
Donna Wade
So proud of the work Justin is doing!
Julie Crawford
Hi Justin,
I really liked your letter. It sounded like you are on the move, rolling onward and upward. Congratulations.
And - what a tough year. I hope things improve for you - it sure sounds like you are on a great path.
Your neighbor,
Jeanette
Jeanette Millard
Alwsys thinking of Justin (you fight the fight), dee (a mom who I can admire and hope to be like) and the rest of your family. Life is hope…keep living each day and keep looking towards the goals. Wishing you all a happy holiday season ❤️❤️….the Deisenroths.
Carrie Deisenroth
Justin,
Thank you for your letter. You have had a challenging year. We are so impressed and inspired by your dedication, drive and continued. success. Proud to be part of your team.
Best wishes for the year ahead.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Jan and Joe Roller
Jan and Joe Roller
Justin, wishing you a healthy and happy 2022. You are such an inspiration. It was lovely to read about how involved you have gotten with various organizations. Keep on giving of yourself, and the love will come right back to you.
Marilyn Lamkin
Keep up the great work Justin. Congratulations on becoming a member of the Mass PCA Workforce Council
Frank Borges
Stay Strong Justin!!!
Terry Regan
Dave and I wish you a happy, healthy year filled with new hopes and prospects!
Debbie Winske
Hey Justin,
Keep on keeping on!!! Last year was a challenging year for everyone but 2021 will much better. Give my love to your Mom (Nurse Dee).
Ellen Cobau
Ellen Cobau
Sending love and support; one step at a time.
Susan Gorman
Keep fighting, Justin! I'm sending hope, faith, and healing vibes your way. I know your Mom's spirit flows in your veins, so you're on your way.
Donna Wade
Thinking of you Justin and hoping the stem cell research will give you full recovery.
Fondly,
The Larsen Family
Deborah Larsen
Hi Justin,
Keep up the great work, and know that the old neighborhood is still with you, wishing you all the best.
Janine & Rob Wolkon
Janine & Rob Wolkon
Hi Justin,
Keep your spirits up and keep up the good work.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a good year ahead.
Rober Giarratana
robert giarratana
Justin wishing you a happy holiday this year and my loving support!
Jackie Hamwey
Justin,
Thinking of you always and wishing for only good things and good luck to come your way from here on out. <3
Fondly,
Kathy & Rich Newman
Kathy Newman
Love your positive attitude! Best of luck for the coming year!
Claire Moir
Wishing you all the best Justin.
Marilyn Lamkin
Justin God Bless you
Lloyd Hammer
Hey Justin,
Happy New Year!! Sounds like last year was a challenging year for you but you persevered and are stronger for it!!! Hope you're getting out and about in your new wheels!!
Give my love to your Mom (Nurse Dee)
Ellen
Ellen Cobau
Stay Strong, Justin and feel the Love.
Susan Pritchard
Keep journeying forward!
Susan Gorman
Justin,
SO PROUD OF YOU !
JAMES TAYLOR
You are an incredible young man. Wishing you well always.
Marilyn Lamkin
You are special! Keep up the good work!
Donald & Claire Moir
Best Wishes in 2020 Justin!
Mary Foley
God Bless Merry Christmas
Chris & Carol Hammer
Sending you love and support...You are an amazing young man. Wishing you the best!
Fondly, Jeanne DiNardo
Jeanne DiNardo
Keep up the good work, Justin. I've known your Mom since 7th grade, so I feel like I know you, too. You certainly inherited her persistence! Sending you positive energy, strength, and hope!
Donna Wade
Justin,
We are so impressed by your continued bravery and persistence. Wishing you all good things in 2020 and beyond. Stay strong. <3
-- Kathy and Rich
Kathy Newman
Justin, we are incredibly proud of you! You are a role model and inspiration!
Nancy Britts
Justin, I know 2020 will be a good year to you. Keep fighting and working hard. Love to your mother! You are an amazingly brave man.
Karen Moore (Brian's mother) :-)
Karen K Moore
I hope you guys have a fun time at the casino tonight!
Christina Reidy
Keep up the good fight Justin!
Terry Regan
Here's toward progress and happiness in 2019!
Susan Gorman
Congratulations, Justin, on your terrific accomplishments at Berklee.
Norma & Bob Frye
Robert Frye
We wish good health to you and your Mom for this coming year!
Claire Moir
Congratulations Justin!! Very Proud of you!
Terri Carlson
Justin,
We are sending our best wishes to you and your mom, and hopes for a healing and happy New Year!
Laurie and Matt
Laurie and Matt Nee
Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Berklee is no easy feat!! Most impressive!! Congrats!!
Glad to hear that you've got your own place in the city. You are an inspiration. Keep on keeping on. Merry Christmas and Happy 2019. Tell Mom I was asking for her and I'll be in touch.
Ellen Cobau
Justin - Your strength and determination are inspirational. We wish you the best with your move and the changes ahead. The Pathak Family
Gretchen Pathak
Justin, I am in awe of all that you have accomplished. May your journey forward bring you happiness and satisfaction.
Marilyn Lamkin
Our sincere Congratulations and Best Wishes to Justin on his campaign.
Frank & Ursula Lyons
Ursula Lyons
Justin is an amazing example of bravery and perseverance.
I have know him since he was a little guy and I am so proud of him.
Karen K Moore
Dear Justin,
It is Mrs. Moore (Brian\'s mother from Sudbury days).
Sending a big congratulations to you on your graduation.
You are amazing and an inspiration to us all. (You have an awesome mother. too! ♥️ ) Never give up, Karen Moore
Karen K Moore
Hello Justin,
Sorry I can't make it to the April Mohegan Sun Gala. Glad to hear that the Berklee degree is within reach!! Glad to hear that you're still working it. Core strength is where it's at!!
Hope to catch up with your Mom one of these days!!!
Ellen Cobau
Ellen Cobau
Everyone is so proud of all your hard work. You are AMAZING.
MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Sharon Forde
Hi Justin!
You are in the home stretch of your degree program—and from everyone at Berklee Online, congratulations for all your hard work and accomplishments. We're looking forward to seeing you at commencement in May!
All the best,
Carin
Carin Nuernberg
Justin, you have grown into an incredible young man. I truly hope that you achieve all of your goals.
Marilyn Lamkin
hi Justin!
You and your Mom are such inspirations of courage, strength, and love! Sending you both prayers and thanks for being strong!
Beth Drewniak (worked with your Mom years ago)
Justin, your strength and determination are inspiring! Sending love and hope to you and your mom. <3
Kathy and Rich Newman
Hey Justin, Keep on keeping on!!! Sorry I cannot attend next months dinner dance. Hope to get together with your Mom and hear all about it.
Ellen Cobau
You are an impressive man! Happy 2016 to you.
Karen Moore (Brian's mom)
Nice going, keep up the good work
Chris & Carol Hammer
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Justin Graceffa
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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