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 Post subject: Fundraiser for Gary Bensman's medical recovery
PostPosted: Wed May 28, 2025 2:51 pm 

Joined: Mon Aug 23, 2004 2:28 pm
Posts: 480
From Facebook:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-boilermakers-rail-road-to-recovery?fbclid=IwY2xjawKkOkFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDT0dmYlpQSXRiaVhnVDVDAR5nqo6Tieb4GeFciXlG8YhC2RCWfeM3Kqy00mNwMJAG4vQ_oXRMdCCT1sgxXw_aem_GWjMTzTJPCAQzqkWzKm4Vw

From the good folks at the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society :
"Several months ago, one of our colleagues suffered a traumatic heart attack and stroke while on a job site. As his medical debt has mounted, we're turning to the railroad community for assistance.

After being airlifted to a local hospital in February, Gary underwent multiple surgeries, including a bypass to repair his aorta and a heart valve replacement. After weeks on a ventilator, Gary has shown remarkable strength in his recovery — but his journey is far from over.

Gary has been self-employed for most of his life. The cost of his care has quickly exceeded what Medicaid can cover, making it difficult for him to access the therapy and rehabilitation he needs, including physical therapy to walk again and rebuild his strength.
For a lifelong railroad man — especially a boilermaker — your body is part of your craft. But Gary’s work has always gone beyond steel and steam. A student of the last generation of American steam railroaders, Gary has devoted his life not only to restoring historic locomotives but to preserving the stories and spirit of the Golden Age of Railroading and the Master Mechanics of the pre-computer age. His presence has been larger than life, evolving from an intimidating master of the trade to a warm-hearted storyteller, mentor, and living archive.

Gary has had a hand in nearly every major steam restoration project in the United States, and his impact can be seen in the hands of the hundreds of railroaders, preservationists, engineers, firemen, and apprentices he’s guided.

We're seeking your help to cover Gary's current outstanding medical debt. Your support will go directly toward covering his medical expenses and the continued care he needs to recover and thrive. An escrow account has been set aside for these funds on Gary's behalf by the Donohue Law Firm of Crescent, PA.".


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 Post subject: Re: Fundraiser for Gary Bensman's medical recovery
PostPosted: Thu May 29, 2025 3:31 pm 

Joined: Tue Jan 25, 2005 4:03 pm
Posts: 941
Gary's current bills are at approximately $600/day since around Valentine's Day, which is where the goal amount originated from. It can only grow every day.

The fundraiser has reached just 48% of the goal in just over 24 hours, so we very much appreciate the support. For several days recently, he was unable to receive the care needed due to the costs exceeding what his Medicare could cover.

_________________
Kelly Lynch
Executive Director
Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society, Inc
http://www.fortwaynerailroad.org
https://www.indianarailexperience.org/


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