Friends:

UPDATE:  When Kevin returned to the doctor on Monday, she removed the wire holding his jaws together.  He still needs to have 2 more operations:  1.  to remove the braces that are on the roots of his teeth (remember the bands of braces you had as a kid on your teeth...think that, but on the gums of your mouth, holding the roots in place..it is too painful to remove without being put to sleep) and 2.  to fix his broken nose.   

Thanks everyone for all of your emails and prayers.

As you may or may not know, Kevin Baker was the victim of a violent attack at Boomers Bar & Grill in Bowleys Quarters, MD on January 27, 2010. He was savagely beaten and endured over 6 hours of reconstructive plastic surgery to his face at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital. To add insult to his injuries, he has no medical insurance and has not been able to work since the assault!

A brief description of his injuries: 2 black eyes, broken and dislocated jaw and pallet, fractured cheeks and eye sockets as well as multiple broken bones in his face. Pieces of titanium metal/plates were inserted in his face to support the bones in his face. Also he has a fractured nose which will require additional surgery to repair. [His MRI has been compared to a jigsaw puzzle.]

He is applying for Emergency Medicaid, but that is really difficult to get approved, and it is doubtful whether or not it will be rewarded. That is why this fundraiser was started. This is not registered as a non-profit organization (ie. no tax break), but as a way to possibly raise a little money to help Kevin through this crisis.

We would like to raise $2,500 to help Kevin with his medical expenses, and his cost of living until he can get back on his feet. With your support, we know we can reach that goal. Everyone is struggling these days, but if you can think for a moment of the light that Kevin has brought into your life, perhaps you can spare a few dollars to help him through this difficult time. No amount is too small or too large. Again, thank you for any amount that you can chip in.

Also, please DO NOT post this on Facebook or email Kevin with this information…it is to be a surprise….at the end of the fundraiser, there will be a get together for Kevin where we can surprise him with the total funds that have been donated.

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time. I know it has meant the world to Kevin to know that you care!