A well-loved ScubaBoard member, grouchyturtle, Capt. Chris Gruno, suffered a stroke and has no health insurance. I first met him on ScubaBoard and we became friends and would chat about our mutual interest in moving to the islands. Later, when I moved to the USVI, he visited me there and more recently, I've relocated to Key Largo, just up the road from Islamorada where he has been living aboard his catamaran, the Grouchy Turtle. We've gotten together a few times with our dogs since I moved back to the Keys, and it's always fun hanging out with him.
Chris is a super great guy, he's only 41 years old, seemed to be in healthy and great shape, as of right now I have no idea what caused the stroke. I've learned that someone was with him and got him airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. His sister and father flew down from his hometown in New Jersey to be with him. One of his dear friends is raising funds to help with medical costs...Chris has NO health insurance. His family is trying to get him moved to a hospital in New Jersey so his family can care for him while he recovers.
It is so sad that this has happened to my friend. He ditched cubicle life at an early age to follow his dream and live aboard his sailboat, and he is a local snorkel boat captain and SUP instructor. He has a little rescue dog named Sparky who he adores. Thankfully, a friend got Sparky off the boat and is caring for him.
Here is a GoFundMe account started by one of Chris' dear friends. Would you consider helping him just a little bit? Even if you don't know him, just know he's a great guy and if several people chipped in just $5 or $10 it would add up to help get him home and help with medical bills.
Here is the GoFundMe link: Click here to support Let's Help Chris by Douglas Mackie
If you want to get to know more about him, here is his blog Grouchy Turtle | SUP Snorkel Sail...with Sparky!.
Thank you for helping my friend!
Chris is a super great guy, he's only 41 years old, seemed to be in healthy and great shape, as of right now I have no idea what caused the stroke. I've learned that someone was with him and got him airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. His sister and father flew down from his hometown in New Jersey to be with him. One of his dear friends is raising funds to help with medical costs...Chris has NO health insurance. His family is trying to get him moved to a hospital in New Jersey so his family can care for him while he recovers.
It is so sad that this has happened to my friend. He ditched cubicle life at an early age to follow his dream and live aboard his sailboat, and he is a local snorkel boat captain and SUP instructor. He has a little rescue dog named Sparky who he adores. Thankfully, a friend got Sparky off the boat and is caring for him.
Here is a GoFundMe account started by one of Chris' dear friends. Would you consider helping him just a little bit? Even if you don't know him, just know he's a great guy and if several people chipped in just $5 or $10 it would add up to help get him home and help with medical bills.
Here is the GoFundMe link: Click here to support Let's Help Chris by Douglas Mackie
If you want to get to know more about him, here is his blog Grouchy Turtle | SUP Snorkel Sail...with Sparky!.
Thank you for helping my friend!
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