East Haven And Beyond Step Up To Help Severely Injured Teen

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

EAST HAVEN, CT – The community has responded – big time – to a renewed effort to raise funds to help a family pay the rising medical costs of a teen who was severely injured this past summer while mowing his lawn.

In just a few days since the new campaign to raise funds for Nick Vessichio’s family was launched more than $10,000 has been pledged, according to family friend Caroline Vitale-Koziatek.

In addition, Koziatek said she has heard from several other building contractors who have volunteered to do work at the Vessichio home to help the family out. She said a meeting will be held in the next few weeks to organize that effort.

Also, a dinner organized by Joseph Carfora and Joann Gondek has been scheduled on Feb. 2nd at Cascade Fine Catering in Hamden from 6-11 p.m., where all the proceeds from the evening will be given to the Vessichio family.

Hundreds of tickets have already been sold

To buy tickets to the dinner, contact Carfora at 203-627-4040 or Gondek at 203-668-6082.

Nick Vessichio has been hospitalized for close to six months, ever since the 16-year-old East Haven High School student was injured while mowing the lawn.

Even though close to $40,000 was raised through a GoFundMe page immediately after the tragic accident happened those funds have been depleted.

But the medical bills go on.

“The Vessicchio Family Special Trust” has been established to help this family deal with their enormous ongoing costs.

The fund has been established by Koziatek.

She described the status of Nick and his family’s rough journey.

“For six long months, family and friends have sat by his hospital bedside 24/7 praying for the miracle of a full recovery. While we cannot entirely help relieve the emotional stress on the family, I am confident we can all come together to ease the enormous financial burden caused by this terrible accident.

“Nick’s parents are both employed by the City of New Haven; his father, Ray, works as a driver and his mother, Sue, as a paraprofessional. Neither have been able to work since the accident. Ray and Sue had just finished putting their two other sons, Anthony and Michael, through college while Nick, was about to start his junior year at East Haven High School, where he is a member of many teams and clubs.

“Our goal is to make it possible for Nick to be brought home, and to get the resources needed so Sue can stay home and take care of him as he progresses. Funds raised in a “GoFundMe” account created in July have been exhausted - used to help keep the family at Nick’s side since the accident, and to pay for some medical costs not covered by insurance.

Koziatek said: “This is not a charitable trust, and your donation is not tax deductible. The financial need of the family is immediate, and the time it would take to establish a charitable trust is considerable.

“As it is the season of good tidings, counting our blessings, and generosity, I ask you to consider a sizable gift, or at least consider what amount you might be able to give. If you are able, please consider being one of our Gold Sponsors at $1,000.

“Again - any amount is appreciated and very much needed. If you are unable to help financially but are a plumber, electrician, contractor, or other laborer, and/or are connected to a firm with expertise in ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant construction, please call me.

‘Please count your blessings while creating a blessing for the Vessicchio family with your gift. If you have any questions, please call Caroline Vitale-Koziatek at (203) 467-8824.”

If you are in the position to help, please make your check payable to:

“The Vessicchio Family Special Trust” Citizen’s Bank

And send your donation to:

Law Offices of Zullo & Jacks LLC

83 Main Street

East Haven CT 06512