Connecting Marathon Victims to Special Care
A new collaborative effort by city and state government will help connect victims and their families with trained specialists. South End Patch News
Boston Strangler Victim’s Family: “People Really Did Care”
As police announced Thursday morning their "99.9 percent" certainty that suspected Boston Strangler Albert DeSalvo was responsible for the death of 19-year-old Beacon-Hill resident Mary Sullivan in 1964, her family shared their overwhelming relief South End Patch News
Marathon Victims Pushed to Meet One Fund Boston June 15 Deadline
One Fund Boston administrator Kenneth Feinberger is urging Boston Marathon bombing victims to get claims in before the June 15 deadine. “You would be amazed at how people in grief, with all sorts of uncertainty about their lives, don’t file. File at the last minute. File claim forms written in crayon,”Feinberg told the Boston Herald. Funds are scheduled to start being distributed on June 30, with the three families who lost a loved one to receive around $ 1 million. Next, those who suffered double amputations or more would receive funds, then single amputees, then those who required an overnight hospital stay. The final protocol for dispersing funds can be viewed on the One Fund site. Downloadable claim forms are available through the One Fund Boston website. Victims can read and download a Frequently Asked Questions section about One Fund Boston for filing claims. Help with completing One Fund forms is available by calling 866-298-2951 or going to the One Fund Boston website. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado
Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now. The Red Cross says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999. The Salvation Army has mobilized in Oklahoma, and you can support them by donating online; or by texting STORM to 80888 to contribute $ 10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts; or by making a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For a longer lists of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post. South End Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact southend@patch.com. South End Patch
Outpatient Victims to Receive One Fund Boston Payments
Boston Marathon bombing victims being treated as outpatients at Boston-area hospitals are eligible to receive One Fund Boston payments. Claims are now being accepted through June 15, and money will start being handed out on June 30 on a rolling basis, according to One Fund Boston’s website. The final protocol and prioritization for victims was also released through the website. Individual death claims, double amputees and those who suffered permanent brain damage are the top priority. Previously, One Fund Boston administrator Kenneth Feinberg had estimated the families of the three victims who died from the bombings could receive $ 1 million. “Money is a pretty poor substitute,” Feinberg said at one of the Town Hall meetings held to discuss the protocol of how funds would be distributed. “Money is a pretty poor substitute of what you’re going through and what the people who are suffering are going through.” “Whatever we do with this fund is inadequate. Lower your expectations of this fund. If you had a billion you wouldn’t have enough money to … compensate people,” Feinberg said. “Damper your expectations.” And that’s with more than $ 30 million being raised so far, which will also be prioritized to go to individuals who suffered a single amputation. The third level of victims to receive priority payments include victims who required overnight hospitalization stays for one night or more. The fourth level for individuals who could possible receive One Fund Boston are those who were treated at Boston-area hospitals on an emergency outpatient basis. Claim forms and necessary documentation for claims can be downloaded at the One Fund Boston website. There are also other resources for those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings, including access to mental health services available at the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance. Those injured may also call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5050 to connect to help and resources. The Massachusetts Bar Association’s MBA Community Service Department is offering free legal advice to victims by calling 617-338-0695 or email communityservices@massbar.org. SOUTH END PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates South End Patch
Families of Marathon Bombing Victims Could Receive $1 Million Each
One Fund Boston administrator Kenneth Feinberg led a Town Hall meeting on Monday to discuss how funds will be distributed to victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Feinberg, who helped distribute the private funds for victims of 9/11, the Aurora, CO theater shooting and the Virginia Tech shooting, said the final protocol for fund distribution will be completed by May 15. The One Fund Boston currently has $ 28 million pledged, with $ 11 million in cash, Feinberg said in a publicly broadcast meeting from the Copley Public Library. Feinberg reiterated that it was possible the families of the four victims could be given a million dollars. Initial protocol listed different levels of compensation for double and single amputees. “Whatever we do with this fund is inadequate. Lower your expectations of this fund. If you had a billion you wouldn’t have enough money to … compensate people,” Feinberg said. Claims will be accepted from May 15 to June 15. From June 16 to the end of June, Feinberg and his six assistants will determine who is eligible. “Actual checks will go out to people who have proven claims on June 30,” Feinberg said. In attendance Monday were members of the Massachusetts Bar Association offering free legal advice to those seeking claims. Feinberg said emergency funds will be granted to claimants for initial claims, while victims provide things such as doctor bills to bring their claim up to protocol. Feinberg said there have already been “a couple 100” claims submitted through the OneFundBoston site. Individuals can also call 855-617-3683 (FUND) for more information. On June 30, an independent audit will begin to look at how much money was received and how much was given out. The audit will be made public. How much money was individually given and to whom will not be made public, he said. “The fund will continue. I’m sure there will be more money after June 30 that will come into the fund,” Feinberg said. A second town hall meeting was to take place on Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. at the Copley Library and was available by webcast. Feinberg held an open discussion on the protocol for victims to receive money, but he stated his missive clearly. “The mayor has been clear. The mayor has been clear. Get the money out. Our mission at One Fund Boston is to get you your money,” he said. South End Patch
Massachusetts Congress Introduces Resolution Honoring Bombing Victims
Submitted by the office of Sen. Elizabeth Warren The Massachusetts Congressional Delegation on Tuesday introduced a resolution commending the heroism, courage and sacrifice of the victims of last week’s attacks in Boston. The delegation includes Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. William “Mo” Cowan, Rep. Ed Markey, Rep. Richard Neal, Rep. Jim McGovern, Rep. John Tierney, Rep. Michael Capuano, Rep. Stephen Lynch, Rep. Bill Keating, Rep. Joe Kennedy and Rep. Niki Tsongas. The resolution honors the memories of those lost, and expresses thanks to the men and women of law enforcement in the United States for their unwavering determination, courage, and resolve to bring to justice the people responsible for the bombings that occurred during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon. The full text of the resolution is below, and the online resolution can be found here. RESOLUTION Commending the heroism, courage, and sacrifice of Sean Collier, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Police Department, Martin Richard, an 8-yearold resident of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Krystle Campbell, a native of Medford, Massachusetts, Lu Lingzi, a student at Boston University, and all the victims who are recovering from injuries caused by the attacks in Boston, Massachusetts, including Richard Donohue, Jr., an officer in the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police Department. Whereas, in the aftermath of the deadly bombings that occurred on Patriots’ Day, April 15, 2013, during the running of the 117th Boston Marathon, the residents of Massachusetts and the people of the United States witnessed the incredible bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, first responders, and citizen heroes; Whereas Sean Collier of Wilmington, Massachusetts, an officer in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (referred to in this preamble as ‘‘MIT”) Police Department, gave his life in the line of duty, the ultimate sacrifice; Whereas Officer Sean Collier was protecting the students of MIT when he was killed as he sat in his police cruiser; Whereas Officer Sean Collier was known by his family, friends, and co-workers as a generous, kind, friendly, and devoted individual and officer; Whereas the people of the United States join with the family of Officer Sean Collier, the MIT community, and the residents of Massachusetts in mourning the loss of Officer Sean Collier, a dedicated, hardworking, and respected young police officer; Whereas the people of the United States remember Martin Richard, an 8-year-old boy from Dorchester, Massachusetts; Whereas Martin Richard loved to play sports and draw pictures, and was dearly loved by his family, friends, classmates, and community; Whereas the people of the United States will always remember and strive to live the poignant and powerful message from Martin Richard: ‘‘No more hurting people. Peace.”; Whereas the people of the United […]
Categories: Arrests Tags: Bombing, Congress, Honoring, Introduces, massachusetts, Resolution, Victims
Runners to Show Support for Marathon Victims Monday Evening
Runners in more than 100 cities and towns across America are participating in group runs Monday evening to show their support for Boston Marathon bombing victims. The runners were inspired by a blogger, Brian Kelley (Pavement Runner) who is organizing a #BostonStrong event for runners in San Francisco, and who has invited others to do the same in their towns. As of midday Monday, people in 115 cities and towns across America had created Facebook event pages for their respective towns. Others, including a handful of local moms in Wakefield who write a weekly parenting column for Patch.com, have organized their own informal events to show their support. “I feel like I need to do something. Something more than a donation. Something more than a blog post or a photo or a graphic,” Kelley wrote on his Pavement Runner blog. “I’m inspired by the community and how we have come together and shown our support, shed our tears, and expressed our fears.” Are you organizing a running event in the Boston area? Share details in the comments section below. South End Patch
‘The People That Matter:’ Updates on Victims, Vigils
Thousands of Facebook users have been sharing this passionate post from the ‘Salty Dad’ fan page (must be signed in to Facebook to see), expressing a desire to learn more about the Boston Marathon victims, and less about the suspects. “It is time that we, as a nation, demand that the press, the politicians, the pundits, and the 24 hour ‘news’ channels news start focusing on the people that matter, and ignore the ones that don’t,” the original poster wrote, referencing the media attention given to the Boston Marathon bombing suspects. We at Patch want to do our part keeping the victims’ memories alive. We’ll update this article as often as possible, with articles about and for the victims that have been published in Patch and other media outlets. We’ll also include stories about heroism, about helpers, about fundraisers and vigils. If you are looking for other coverage, too, you may refer to this page that compiles the latest about the investigation. Click the links below for full articles (as we update this story, newer stories will be posted at the top): Hundreds of Kraft Employees Stand as One Boston On Gillette Stadium (on Foxborough Patch) Police, Residents Attend Sean Collier’s Wake (on Wilmington Patch) Bombing Victim From Stoneham Finally Opens Eyes (on Stoneham Patch) Images That Capture the American Spirit (on Buzzfeed) Collier Memorial Grows at MIT (on Somerville Patch) Krystle Campbell Honored During Solemn Funeral Service (Video) (on Medford Patch) Memorial Walk in Milford Planned for Marathon Victims (on Milford Patch) Hingham Track Coach Among First Responders (on Hingham Patch) New Balance Donates $ 1M to One-Fund Boston (on West-Roxbury Patch) Fundraiser at Bittersweet Bakery for Marathon Bombing Victims (on Woburn Patch) Krystle Campbell Mourned at Medford Funeral (on Medford Patch) Runners to Show Support for Victims Monday Evening (on Fenway-Kenmore Patch) Boston Medical Center Hoping for ‘Mass Exodus’ as Victims Recover (on Boston.com) Funds Set Up for Victims (on The Huffington Post) Patriots’ Stevan Ridley Joins Local Dodgeball Tourney to Raise Money for Victims (on Foxborough Patch) Martin Richard Mourned at Tearful Service (on Boston.com) BU Scholarship Honoring Lu Lingzi (on Brookline Patch) Partners Donates $ 1M to One Fund (on Fenway-Kenmore Patch) Marblehead Children Raise Money for One Fund Boston With Lemonade/Art Stand (on Marblehead Patch) Keith Yandle Honors Martin Richard With Warm-Up Jersey (on SBnation.com) Friends Raising $ 750,000 for North End Woman Injured in Bombings (on North End Patch) Sharon Police Assisted With Marathon Bombing Response Crews (on Sharon Patch) Wellesley College Rings Bells for Marathon Victims (on Wellesley Patch) Hundreds […]
VIDEO: One Week Later, Crowd Returns to Boylston Street to Honor Boston Bombing Victims
One week after thousands of people gathered on Boylston Street to cheer on runners as they crossed the finish line of the 117th annual Boston Marathon, several hundred people returned to the area to honor those who were killed and injured in the bombings that forever changed a Boston tradition. At 2:50 p.m.—the time when, one week prior, the first explosion went off, followed 10 seconds later by a second—the city of Boston and communities throughout Massachusetts held a moment of silence. With the Copley Square area still cordoned off as a crime scene, hundreds of visitors gathered behind fencing at the corner of Boylston and Berkeley streets where a makeshift memorial sprouted up in the week following the event. The memorial, which features thousands of tributes such as flags, T-shirts, running shoes, posters, cards, teddy bears and flowers, has been moved off the street to the sidewalk outside the Bank of America building, presumably in anticipation of Boylston Street being reopened to the public—though a date for that opening has not yet been announced. The crowd at Boylston and Berkeley offered more than a moment of silence on Monday, standing quietly for several minutes before and after the appropriated time. At around 2:49 p.m., the crowd began softly singing “The Star-Spangled Banner”—just barely heard over the occasional honk and motorized splutter of the busy city. When the anthem concluded, the crowd went silent again for well over a minute. Some people bowed their heads, some cried or wiped away tears, some took photographs and video of the scene and some stared quietly down the deserted part of Boylston Street, perhaps imagining what it looked like on Monday last. As the crowd began to stir, with people beginning to head off to wherever they needed to be, a man waving a Boston hat with one hand and an American flag with the other began singing “God Bless America” and was soon joined by many others in the crowd. As the singing concluded, a loud cheer went up through the crowd, as people turned and waved to police officers on the other side of the barricade. The crowd began to disperse as, in the distance, church bells rang out and played “Amazing Grace.” South End Patch