Mid-Missouri woman raising money for man attacked at Columbia bar

A Mid-Missouri woman is stepping up to raise money for State Rep. Jeff Grisamore’s son who was beaten unconscious by two strangers.

Earlier this month, Abc 17 News reported Joel Grisamore was attacked at Campus Bar and Grill in downtown Columbia. He later had to have reconstructive surgery on his face.

Eva Dee Goss, who lives in New Bloomfield, said when she saw Joel Grisamore’s story, she knew she had to help in some way.

Goss set up a GoFundMe page for Grisamore to help cover the cost of his medical bills, which would include the cost of his surgery and many follow-up appointments.

She said she decided to do it because Grisamore’s story hit especially close to home.

“It’s right here at Christmas time, and having been an abuse survivor that had medical bills after abuse, that’s something you don’t just get over,” Goss said. “Every time you have to pay a bill that somebody else caused harm to you, you re-live that over and over and over. And I thought, what better gift?”

Goss said her goal is to raise $5,000 for Grisamore through the website.

Rep. Grisamore told Abc 17 News the exact out-of-pocket costs for the surgery and other medical bills is unknown at this time, but will be thousands of dollars.

Goss said she talked to Rep. Grisamore on the phone last week about starting the website. He told her he is appreciative of the help because after Jan. 1 when his term expires, his current health insurance will expire as well.

Rep. Grisamore said the family is attempting to get Joel on Tri-Care after the end of the year. And although Joel Grisamore is a member of the National Guard, the military will not cover his medical bills because he is not currently on active duty.

If you would like to donate, you can find the link to the GoFundMe page here.