A fundraiser for a 32-year-old man who police say was held captive by his stepmother for two decades has raised more than $100,000 and garnered dozens of tributes in the days since it has launched.
The man was discovered after setting fire to a home in Waterbury, Connecticut in February, in an attempt to escape. At the time, he weighed just 68 pounds despite standing 5 feet 9 inches, officials said during a press conference.
The fundraiser, organized by Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury, says the man was “deprived of basic medical and dental care, education, suffering both physically and mentally from the abuse he endured.”
“Now, he is facing the immense challenge of rebuilding his life after such a traumatic experience,” the fundraiser reads.
Money raised will go to medical and dental care, counseling and therapy for physical and emotional recovery, housing and daily living expenses and support for legal fees, according to the GoFundMe.
The man’s stepmother, 56-year-old Kimberly Sullivan is charged with assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the second degree, unlawful restraint in the first degree, cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment in the first degree, according to the Waterbury Police Department.
She is free on a $300,000 bond.
“Every donation, no matter how small, will help give this survivor a chance to heal, rebuild, and find peace,” the fundraiser reads. “Please consider supporting him in his journey toward recovery and freedom.”
Nearly 2,000 donations have rolled in since the fundraiser’s launch, with nearly $101,000 raised toward its $120,000 goal.
Many of those who donated left messages of support on the fundraiser.
“Keep your chin up. Go to school. Ride a horse. Watch a sunset/sunrise. Go to a theme park and ride the rides. Eat all different foods. Be good to yourself,” wrote Sue Williams. “You are a good person.”
“Sir, what you have endured breaks my heart. And yet somehow, in the face of such unfathomable cruelty, your spirit was not destroyed. Please know that the perseverance you displayed is nothing short of extraordinary and profoundly awe-inspiring,” added Damian Baden.
