FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com june 26, 2014 • The Queens Courier 13 FLUSHING RESIDENT IN NEAR-FATAL MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, FAMILY RAISING $500K FOR MEDICAL FEES BY LIAM LA GUERE [email protected] @liamlaguerre The family of a Flushing resident and St. John’s University alum who was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident on Father’s Day is in a desperate struggle to raise half a million dollars for medical fees. Anthony Michaelides lost control of his bike on June 15 while trying to merge into a freeway in Los Angeles and hit the guardrail, propelling him over the barrier and more than 100 feet down into a ravine, family members said. He suffered double lung collapse, bleeding from his brain, a ruptured spleen, a lacerated aorta, severe damage to his liver, fractured wrists and a broken left arm. Despite the injuries, paramedics found him alive and currently he is in stable condition at Los Angeles County General Hospital under heavy sedation. His family is hoping to raise money through upcoming events and crowdfunding site CrowdRise. “He is one of the sweetest and most generous persons you could meet. Whenever you needed help he was always right there,” said Michaelides’ cousin, Krysta, who started the CrowdRise page. “This is such a tragedy, I couldn’t sit back and do nothing. I think about him every day. But doing this and collecting donations like this is gathering positive vibes. It’s keeping me busy and in my mind, keeping Anthony alive for me.” The family has raised nearly $45,000 on CrowdRise already. Michaelides’ alma mater, Frank Sinatra High School, is organizing a show with proceeds to benefit him to be announced at a later date. Family and friends will host fundraising events in Pita Pan restaurant in Astoria on Saturday, and in Five Guys Burgers and Fries chains in The Bay Terrace shopping center on Friday and Saturday in the College Point location. Proceeds from sales during the day at the eateries will go toward Michaelides. There will also be #saveanthony shirts on sale for $15 during the events. Michaelides graduated from St. John’s University with a degree in psychology, and then earned a master’s last year from New York University in education counseling. His goal was to be a guidance counselor at Frank Sinatra, but since there were no open opportunities he moved to Los Angeles late last year. The school called Michaelides a few weeks before his accident to let him know there was a position opening, a sibling said, but now he won’t be able to take it. “It’s just really bad luck. Everything that happened is bad luck,” said Michaelides’ sister, Connie. “It would mean a lot to the family if he did get his dream job, but our priority is for him to get better.” Upcoming fundraising times and locations: Friday, June 27 Five Guys Burgers and Fries 210-33 26th Ave. Bayside 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, June 28 Pita Pan 37-15 30th Ave. Astoria 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday, June 28 Five Guys Burgers and Fries 132-01 14th Ave. College Point 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Photo courtesy the Michaelides family The family of Anthony Michaelides (middle) is collecting donations to pay for medical bills and other fees after his near-fatal motorcycle accident. We Accept Auto Insurance, Many Health Insurance Plans Accepted! Acupuncture treatment is a very powerful and effective treatment for pain. • Low Back Pain • Sciatica, • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain • Elbow Pain • Wrist Pain • Insomnia • Knee Pain • Ankle Pain • Heel Pain • Headache • Migraine • Anxiets • Detox • Weight Loss Dae won Detox Diet (DDD) program is made to help lose weight fast, but also fi nish the program with a healthier and a more balanced body. Thomas An L. Ac. O.M.D has over 30 years experience 718-321-0875 • 718-321-0120 IMMEDIATE PAIN RELEIF Improve Range of Motion With A Few Sessions FREE massage with any treatment FREE 30 Minute Massage PLUS $10 OFF with any Treatment EXPIRES 7/31/2014 163-15 Northern Blvd #3 • Flushing, NY 11358
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