Hangout fundraises for Michael Francillon

Members of Hangout One Happy Place gathered to raise funds for Michael Francillon, one of their former members, who was struck by a van last month, with a bingo night at Baldwin Harbor Park on March 18.

Last January, Michael Francillon, 21, a former member of Hangout One Happy Place, a non-profit organization for people of all needs, was struck by a van while travelling on Forest Avenue resulting in severe head trauma. Since then, Francillon has been hospitalized and has undergone several head surgeries while he recovers.

To help pay for medical costs, Angela Lucas, founder of Hangout One Happy Place, organized a bingo fundraising event at Baldwin Harbor Park to help cover Francillon’s medical expenses.

“You can choose to do something or not do anything,” said Lucas. “I chose to organize a fundraiser, and people showed up to donate money for Michael.”

Lucas said she was able to raise more than $1400, which was donated to Ingrid Francillon, Michael’s mother, to help cover their expenses.

“We got the hangout to come together to support one of their friends, and help a family during a hard tie in their lives,” said Lucas. “Members made signs, raised donations and supported their friend.”

Ingrid Francillon, of Baldwin, said her son Michael has undergone several surgeries including one on his skull on April 4, which required surgeons to remove a part of his skull to relive the pressure caused by head trauma. She said he has trouble breathing on his own, and has more surgeries scheduled to help him recover from his injuries.

Francillon said Michael has lost over 45 pounds since being hospitalized and remains in critical condition.