July 13, 2008 (Kearny NJ).  A fundraiser has been scheduled for July 25, 2008 for Victor Muniz.  Muniz, a Kearny Resident , was struck and paralyzed by a tree while in West Hudson Park after a sudden thunderstorm.  Muniz has vowed to walk again and is undergoing intensive physical therapy at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange.  Muniz's words are inspirational.  In a NJ.com video entitled Hope for a Man Paralyzed by Storm, Victor Muniz states, "Everything happens for a reason.  I think I am going to get better and I am going to learn how to grow during the whole process.  I want to be a ... motivational speaker.  Yes, I am definitely walking."  Watch the short picture video (below). Visit Victor Muniz's MySpace page.

There is an opportunity presented to the West Hudson community in Victor Muniz's tragic circumstances.  Victor's life changed suddenly.  Victor's immediate reaction upon learning that he was paralyzed was to fight to walk again.  Victor is fortunate to have close family and friends.  Victor is also fortunate to be close to one of the top rehabilitation facilities in the nation, Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation.  Actor Christopher Reeves performed his rehabilitation at Kessler.  The staff at Kessler is top notch.  Kessler exists because New Jersey's auto insurance paid for expensive surgical and rehabilitative services.  Victor however has no such coverage.  He needs the community's help in making sure that he receives the best care possible.  It is time for the KOTW community to step up and participate in raising the necessary funds that will give Victor the best chance of walking.  Victor is doing his part.  Victor's part is much more difficult then ours.  KOTW calls on our readers to attend the fundraiser scheduled for July 25th and donate as much as possible.

KOTW also calls upon the politicians of West Hudson to schedule a fundraiser for September whose goal should be to raise $250,000 towards Victor's medical bills.  Possibly, our local politicians could use their contacts in neighboring Essex County to have the event held in the Prudential Center Arena.  What better venue to symbolize doing the impossible.  How many people doubted that the Rock would be built?  It stands today as a symbol of what can be done when men and women of courage say, "Yes, we can."  Victor Muniz's fundraiser can be held simply in the public areas of the arena with local restaurants providing refreshments and food.  The goal of raising $250,000 is realistic.  Harrison's Democratic Party last year raised over $200,000 in contributions which it turned over to the Hudson County Democratic Party.  The political connections that exist in West Hudson can surely raise $250,000 for this great cause.  To the politicians who are saying "why should we do a fundraiser", "it's not possible", "people won't come", just simply watch the NJ.com video (below) and say "Yes, we can.  Yes, we will raise $250,000 for Victor Muniz to walk again."

WABC-TV News Story video on Victor Muniz.