By SHERI GASSAWAY
Correspodent
Family and friends of Matt Velasco, a third-generation IBEW Local 1 journeyman, have set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for his medical expenses.
Velasco was involved in a serious motorcycle accident July 23 on Interstate 55 and is still hospitalized and expected to need several additional surgeries as well as rehabilitation. He suffered numerous fractures in his neck, back, pelvis, arms, hands and one leg, among other injuries.
“He has a very long road ahead of him,” family friend Jennifer Odom wrote on the GoFundMe page. “We are very lucky to still have him with us. He is a miracle. We are reaching out and asking if you can help, and if you can’t, just prayers will work, too.”
Velasco is the nephew of second-generation IBEW Local 1 retiree Bart Velasco, who was one of the original organizers of the Jefferson County Labor Club and had served as its president for 30 years before stepping down in 2016.
To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/matt-velasco.