GoFundMe started for care of former Detroit Red Wing Vladimir Konstantinov

A GoFundMe page has been started for former Detroit Red Wing, Vladimir Konstantinov.

http://gty.im/666649388

According to reports, the page was started by Vlady’s family to raise money for his medical care that has been needed since his tragic accident in 1997 that left him with a traumatic brain injury.

From GoFundMe:

On June 7th, 1997, Vladimir Konstantinov became a Stanley Cup Champion, helping his Red Wings to sweep their way to Detroit’s first Stanley Cup in 42 years. Six days later, his life would be forever changed when a limousine taking Vladimir home from a charity golf outing crashed into a tree on Woodward Ave. 

The initial doctor’s prognosis for Vladimir was not good, and his family, his teammates and the city of Detroit all held their collective breath as the man that fans knew as the Vladinator hung on to life. Sustaining life threatening brain stem injuries in the accident, Vladimir proved that his toughness and perseverance that made him a fan favorite in Detroit extended beyond the ice. After 2 months in coma, Vladimir Konstantinov began the long slow process of rehabilitation.  

While Vladimir was not expected to survive the tragic night of June 13, 1997, he has surpassed all expectations through his fighting spirit and sheer determination. Over 20 years later, Vladimir Konstantinov remains tough as nails. His continued progress has seen him re-learn how to walk and return to the Detroit Red Wings home games to cheer on the team he once was the heart and soul of. 

On behalf of Vladimir and the entire family, we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Ilitch Family, the Red Wings Organization, all of Vladimir’s fans and Emagine for hosting a premiere to benefit The Vladimir Konstantinov Special Needs Trust. 

Thank you Gold Star Films and Muse Production House for telling the story of the journey he took from Russia to a Stanley Cup Victory for Detroit. We are thankful that everyone can now share in the story. Our family will be forever grateful for all the support! 

We hope this movie will inspire everyone to never give up and to Believe! 

This trust is intended to provide for Vladimir Konstantinov’s extra and supplemental care, comfort, support, maintenance and education, including vocational, rehabilitation or technical training, as well as for his healthcare insurance and transportation not otherwise available to him or covered by insurance or governmental assistance. He is the sole and only beneficiary of the trust and any funds donated to the trust including any income generated by it may only be used for his benefit and needs.

Thank you to Detroit for being the best fans in the world!