Friends and supporters of a longtime gay Atlanta fundraiser and volunteer for HIV agencies are rallying by his side, raising thousands of dollars for his medical care after he suffered a stroke.
Friends say Ben Hadsock suffered a stroke on March 5 and has remained in the Intensive Care Unit of Grady Memorial Hospital since, undergoing surgery on Friday to address complications from the stroke. Supporters launched a Go Fund Me campaign on Friday to help pay for out of pocket health expenses and living expenses during what friends say will be a months-long recovery.
Since Friday, 100 people have donated $16,305 to the campaign.
As many of you know, Ben Hadsock had a severe stroke the week of March 2nd and is currently in an Atlanta hospital in intensive care. Ben had a part of his skull removed to relieve brain swelling and will likely have long term paralysis. Ben has a long road of recovery ahead. He needs us.
Hadsock is an individual giving manager for Jerusalem House, a non-profit that provides housing and other services for people with HIV. He's also worked at AID Atlanta. The Moultrie, Ga.-native has devoted years to Joining Hearts, the non-profit that raises funds for HIV charities through a series of annual events, including its massive pool party each July in Piedmont Park.
Hadsock has served as the organization's president and board chair, and is currently among members of its advisory board. His three-year run as president ended in 2010 after the organization raised $125,000 for AID Atlanta and Jerusalem House.
Hadsock has also been honored by GLAAD Atlanta officials.
The full announcement from the Go Fund Me campaign:
As many of you know, Ben Hadsock had a severe stroke the week of March 2nd and is currently in an Atlanta hospital in intensive care. Ben had a part of his skull removed to relieve brain swelling and will likely have long term paralysis. Ben has a long road of recovery ahead. He needs us.
We are starting this site to raise money for Ben's extensive out of pocket medical expenses and to help with living expenses while he is out of work during his recovery for the next 9-12 months.
Ben has contributed so much of his time for so many in the Atlanta community and also around the US. Ben is always the first to help and give back.
If you know Ben Hadsock, his generous spirit, his smiling face and gentle heart have most certainly touched your life in a profound way.
Let's rally behind Ben and give back a small percentage of what he has given to all of us! Please donate today and share this post! All of the funds raised will go directly to Ben's care while any excess will be donated back to the community. Please check-in via Facebook to follow Ben's progress and let him know what he means to you. Your prayers, thoughts and messages mean the world to him.
