Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso's family creates GoFundMe, updates public on his condition
Ohio State University wrestler Sammy Sasso's family is raising money for his recovery after he was shot Aug. 18 near campus.
Sasso suffered serious injuries in the shooting, which police said was a carjacking that happened before 8:30 p.m. Aug. 18 in an alley near the 1300 block of North High Street and East Seventh Avenue.
His family created a GoFundMe on Saturday with an update to the athlete's condition. Early last week, Sasso shared a statement on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter.
On the fundraising platform, Sasso's family asked for support that would go toward his recovery. The fundraising goal is $100,000, and by mid-day Monday, more than $81,600 had been raised.
In a message on the site, Sasso's family wrote that Sasso was shot in the abdomen and underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct his colon. The next morning, he had a second surgery to remove the bullet from near his spine, where it had caused "severe nerve damage."
He was in an intensive care unit for three days before being transferred to the acute care unit for more care, his family wrote.
Next, they said he will go to an inpatient rehabilitation facility for physical therapy to learn to walk again. Right now, he is unable to walk without help and, though it will be a "long, difficult road," doctors are "hopeful he will make a full recovery," the family wrote.
god bless everyone for their support during this time. it’s been tough as hell but we are steadily improving. I can’t thank everyone enough for being in my corner.
— sasso chamberlain (@sammysasso) August 21, 2023
In a previous statement on the X platform, Sasso wrote: "god bless everyone for their support during this time. it's been tough as hell but we are steadily improving. I can't thank everyone enough for being in my corner."
His family also detailed his successful wrestling career, including being a four-time All-American and a two-time Big Ten champion and qualifying for the NCAA tournament four times.
"What truly sets Sammy apart is his boundless kindness and selflessness," his family wrote. "His dedication to his family and friends is unparalleled, and his uplifting presence radiates positivity. … He isn't just a wrestling champion; he's a champion when it comes to uplifting everyone around him."
dking@dispatch.com
@DanaeKing
Get more Ohio State football news by listening to our podcasts
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State wrestler Sammy Sasso's family gives update on his condition
