My brother Carl Carozza is one of he most loving people I know. Never wanting to see anyone suffer or in need, he was always willing to share his table with anyone needing a meal and open up his doors to an animal needing a loving home. After being a faithful and proud member of the Laborers Welfare Fund of Chicago and paying his dues for 24 years without fail, they have abandoned him in his hour of need. On September 7, 2013 Carl lost control of his Harley Davidson, and was launched from his motorcycle leaving him with several life threatening injuries. The worst of his injuries were a C1 fracture in his neck and traumatic brain injury to his head. The doctors gave Carl' family a grim outlook on any meaningful recovery, but Carl has beat the odds. The hospital referred Carl to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago due to the remarkable progress he was making. He has been at the RIC since October 28, 2013 but unfortunately, not for long. 

As of January 10, 2014 Laborers Welfare Fund of Chicago has ceased any and all benefits carelessly making the claim that Carl can't be rehabilitated. He has made incredible progress, he is taking steps on his own, sitting up, talking, laughing and eating on his own. The medical professionals working with Carl believe that Carl will make a full recovery with continued Physical Therapy for six months to one year. My family and I have been left to figure out how to come up with $30,000 in the next 30 days just to cover one month of therapy. Carl is supposed to be covered at the very least, July 2014, because he faithfully payed his dues to the Laborers Welfare Fund for 24 years without fail. He made sure to protect himself, should a tragic moment like this arise and they simply cut off the benefits he worked for, leaving him financially unprotected. 

Please help us force the union to reinstate his health benefits to ensure Carl continues to receive the therapy he needs to make a full recovery. The medical bills are up to $400,000 and several other unpaid medical bills have been sent to collections resulting on liens being put on Carl's property. Carl trusted his life to a Union that today is turning their backs on him and jeopardizing the possibility of him ever having a chance at a normal life again. My family and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your help and support. God Bless