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Popular martial arts instructor struck with ‘mysterious’ spinal infection

-GoFundMe raises over $38K for medical procedure
Popular martial arts instructor at Purple Dragon martial arts school, Shihan (Master of Martial Arts) Bevon Baptiste has reportedly been struck with an affection that has affected his spine. Photo: GoFundMe
 Bevon Baptiste interacting with his students at the Purple Dragon Dojo in Fish Bay back in 2015. Photo: VINO/File
Bevon Baptiste interacting with his students at the Purple Dragon Dojo in Fish Bay back in 2015. Photo: VINO/File
The GoFundMe target of $30,000.00 was surpassed within 3 days. Photo: GoFundMe
The GoFundMe target of $30,000.00 was surpassed within 3 days. Photo: GoFundMe
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Popular martial arts instructor at Purple Dragon Dojo, Shihan (Master of Martial Arts) Bevon Baptiste has reportedly been struck with an infection that has affected his spine.

This was disclosed in a GoFundMe page started by a Darjie Stewart on July 27, 2023.

“After travelling overseas to spend time with family, of Purple Dragon Tortola branch, received a mysterious infection that severely affected his spine. We need $US,30,000.00 to assist with the procedure to help his recovery,” Stewarts stated on the GoFundMe page.

$38K raised on GoFundMe

The target set was $30,000.00 and this has already been surpassed.

As of 11:25 PM, the amount raised was $38, 533.00.

In an “update” on the GoFundMe page on July 29, 2023, Baptiste expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support he has received.

"I want to take this time to say a huge thank you to everyone that has supported me and continue to support me through my time of need. Your prayers, love and strong support has been received and have lifted my spirit in this difficult time. I am encouraged by knowing that God is in full control and I know he will continue to look over me and my family.

“Special thank you to Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob and my Purple Dragon family, Crossfit Castaway Community and the BVI Community your overwhelming support is greatly appreciated,” Baptiste stated.

It is unclear when the medical procedure will be done and what exactly is the medical state of Mr Baptiste.

19 Responses to “Popular martial arts instructor struck with ‘mysterious’ spinal infection”

  • Green Belt (30/07/2023, 14:40) Like (25) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is sad. Sorry to hear our prayers go out to you and family.
    Love always.
    Can we have the link please.
  • Jera (30/07/2023, 16:57) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sorry to read this Bevon.I pray for a full recovery
  • Mysterious injury? (30/07/2023, 17:24) Like (1) Dislike (17) Reply
    Could it be?
    • Madussa (03/08/2023, 11:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      @ Mysterious injury? They stated he has a spinal infection NOT an injury. Those are two different things.
  • sorry (30/07/2023, 17:44) Like (5) Dislike (17) Reply
    But is he vaccinated with the trial aka clot shot ?
    Lots of ppl getting mysteriously ill lately
    Oh and before u come for me
    Rem the world is round
    Whether u believe it or not
    And I can send the news links

    I’m sorry this has happened

    But we all knew that’s why they wanted to bring out the vax side effect in 2053 right ?????
    • ... (30/07/2023, 19:49) Like (9) Dislike (10) Reply
      Wouldn't everybody who got vaxxed get the mysterious spinal injury or just 1 out of the billions? My mother taught me how to have sense and not fall for people's nonsense.
  • Slim Jim (30/07/2023, 22:43) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Firstly, I am thankful that the generosity and spirit of love was strong on this young man's behalf and he can get the procedure he desperately needs. I wish him a safe and speedy recovery.

    However, this situation raises some concerns in my mind. I have noted a rise in the number of persons needing urgent medical care and forced to resort to asking the community for financial assistance to get it, and it leads me to 2 conclusions (subject to correction):

    1. Many of us, although living and working in a "wealthy" jurisdiction, are not financially liquid enough to handle an unexpected medical emergency. We may make lots of money but through a combination of factors, many of us have not been able to set aside sufficient funds for the proverbial rainy day and are vulnerable and exposed when hardships arise. Not saying that's the case with this young man, but its certainly the case with myself and many persons I know.
    Perhaps it's time we take a page from the older generation and slow down on our "affluent" lifestyles and make deliberate efforts to build up the rainy day fund in case public generosity dries up by the time our day of reckoning comes around.

    2. We have this system called NHI which is supposed to cover the medical needs of the vulnerable of our society up to a guaranteed percentage, which also includes seniors, children and social cases. Most working persons pay into this system and expect to receive benefits but said benefits are mostly available within a tight network locally / regionally / internationally and serious medical procedures are subject to scrutiny and approval by a committee before funds can be released. In the meantime, persons need URGENT medical care and should have reasonable say in exactly where they may CHOOSE to seek medical attention. Yet if the almighty committee delays or denies a requests approval then it's a financial burden on the patients family to (go)fund(me) the expenses.... and the beat goes on.

    If we are forced to pay into this system then it should serve us better and faster, not the other way around. And even if they don't wish to fund treatment at an "out of network" facility, the wishes of the patient should still be honored and at least award a nominal percentage of the request so they can have an ease in funding the needed treatment. I am not one to say throw the baby with the bathwater, but the diapers on this baby need changing..... we need an NHI that works FOR THE PEOPLE.

    It's time for us as a people to (1) have a long term, far sighted financial management plan for ourselves, and (2) have a financial medical support network (NHI) that actually makes sense and works for us.

    Let's discuss and implement these things and stop allowing politicians to waste our hard earned funds without returning value for money while spinning a bunch of "nancy tales" keeping us distracted and ignorant while Rome burns.
  • Lord o (31/07/2023, 04:05) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why it seems like everybody travel home either end up dead or with some life threatening medical condition. Why?.I had a friend from Vincy a young lady in hee early 30s went back to Vincy on vacation felt sick and ran to the doctors office where she died, Rumor is her envious friend poison her. Then we heard of two security guards one from Africa, one from Guyana, go on Vacation and died...When you all go home on vacation the song say." Watch who you smoke with, eat with and drink with". Lot of them are Wolves in Sheep clothing..Well, hope he get well soon..Hope!
  • vi (31/07/2023, 06:18) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Just sad ???? men
  • Really (31/07/2023, 08:18) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ sorry. I hope they do realise that the Earth is flat because you can clearly see it has no curves..it's just straight water you see that NEVER ending. As far as the Vax you don't have to take the vaccine to get vaccinated,the ELITES had their puppets put it in the drinking water,fruits,food, and flu shot, all the kids vaccines because it's the mark of the beast and everyone has to be chipped. All sickness is coming from the vaccine rather your vaccinated or not
  • Real Macoy (31/07/2023, 09:53) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    May the good Lord touch and heal him so he can b 100% healthy and normal again.
  • guy hill (31/07/2023, 13:20) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get well soon son. Prayers are up for a speedy recovery.
  • Dr Seus (31/07/2023, 13:25) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Has there been medical confirmation locally and additional medical opinions of
    the alleged " mysterious" medical condition. Personally, I would need confirmation prior to donating.
    • Tuh (31/07/2023, 15:28) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
      If you going do all that why IS YOU HERE!?? Your little negative chips won’t matter.
      • @Tuh (31/07/2023, 17:43) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        It will matter.
        When real need arises and is rejected because of liars and their pathetic scams it will matter . In addition, KARMA is a real ess o be.
  • father (31/07/2023, 13:55) Like (20) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lord go fun me page??????? People in society must stop behave liked they have it all. So he don't have proper insurance?
  • father (31/07/2023, 14:06) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Go fun you say???
  • Bruce Leroy (02/08/2023, 09:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good people he is. Clear your mind be water my friend.


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