LI Man Looking To Help Father Critically Injured In Crash

LINDENHURST, NY -- A Lindenhurst man started a fundraiser to help his father who was critically injured in a crash in Sayville last week.

On Jan. 4, Joel Kramer Jr., 31, was driving a 2007 Ford Expedition with a small trailer attached eastbound on Sunrise Highway, just east of Lincoln Avenue, when he lost control of the SUV, struck a guardrail and overturned, Suffolk police said.

His father, Joel Kramer Sr., 70, of Bay Shore, was a passenger in the car and was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore in critical condition, police said.

Kramer Jr. was taken to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Last Wednesday Kramer Jr. started a campaign on GoFundMe to help his father who remained hospitalized. On the page, Kramer Jr. wrote that his father suffered from a broken neck and spine as well as a collapsed lung and was in a medically induced coma.

While preparing for surgery, doctors found that Kramer Sr. suffered from a stroke and was unable to undergo surgery at the time.

"He was unable to wake up from the coma state on his own and is not responding to verbal commands, although his brain function appears to be intact," he wrote.

On Friday, Kramer Jr. wrote the following update:

Today I received some difficult news about my father’s status. A blood clot formed in his brain due to a lack of oxygen at the scene. For a period of time his heart stopped and he was revived in the ambulance. This resulting stroke unfortunately has developed into a larger issue than originally anticipated. Where as first his neck and spine were of the upmost importance, surgery on them must be postponed as the brain takes precedence. He still has no woken up or been able to respond to verbal commands. Furthermore, due to the severity of his injuries, hospital personnel are unable to administer any blood clot dissipating medications— just aspirin. Please continue to pray for a miracle at this point, as the sedation has been lifted and the next two days are vital. Doctors are allotting more time for the sedation to taper off and would really like to see an improvement sooner than later. If he wakes up in the next day or two it would be tremendous progress. I encourage everyone to continue praying for my father. The odds have been stacked against him before. Thank you all for remaining vigilant, and continuing to reach out. My old man is a tough guy- let’s hope he can fight through and God sees fit to wake him from this state.

The campaign was started to raise $15,000 for medical expenses, potential aftercare, bills, damages and other financial support as Kramer Sr. continues to be hospitalized for his injuries.

As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised a total of $4,010.

"I would like to express my gratitude for all of the outpouring of love and support for my extraordinary father, who has not had an easy time in life- yet somehow managed to remain unwavering in his mission to be the most selfless and caring individual I have ever known. He is my best friend and number one supporter. As I write the tears come, ever-reminding me of what he means to me, and that his departure would be a devastating loss," Kramer Jr. wrote. "Please keep my father, Joel, Big Joel, Nubs, Joe Fingers, Senior, or whatever else you may know him as, in your thoughts and prayers as I stand by him in this fight. My heart goes out to him and to you, who have been in relentless pursuit of answers regarding his condition, and continue to express a great deal of concern for his well-being."

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.