Belizean cyclist Marlon Castillo is in New York for prosthetic forearm fundraiser raffle at invitation of Project Jumpstart Belize

Photo Credit: Project Jumpstart Belize

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belizean cyclist Marlon Castillo has been in New York since Friday for a raffle being held to raise funds for a prosthetic forearm which he needs after a meat grinder caught and grinded his right hand.

Castillo is in New York at the invitation of Project Jumpstart Belize, which is organizing the fundraiser raffle on Thursday, June 15.

Project Jumpstart Belize welcomed Castillo to New York last Friday.

“ITS OFFICIAL… PROJECT JUMPSTART BELIZE WELCOMES MARLON CASTILLO TODAY IN NEW YORK. THANKS TO MY SUPPORT TEAM THAT WAS THERE TO HELP ME WELCOME HIM,” Project Jumpstart Belize said in a social media post.

“To help support him on his Prosthetic journey Support his fundraising raffle to be drawn JUNE 15th. All information on flyers or inbox me for more information.”

Marlon Castillo greeted by Project Jumpstart Belize board members on his arrival in New York. (Photo Credit: Project Jumpstart Belize)

Project Jumpstart Belize was established 2015 by Janice Jacobs Palmer, a Belizean living in the United States “who has not forgotten her roots, her land or her people, who possesses a singular passion for providing loving charity to uplift those who are less fortunate”.

The fundraiser raffle seeks to raise $30,000. For a $25 dollar ticket, participants can win a two-night stay for two at Hopkins Bay Resort, a two-night stay at The Placencia Resort, a 55’ flatscreen smart TV, a light-up Bluetooth speaker with tripod, a microwave oven, and/or an air fryer.

Tickets in Belize are available from Kara Menzies at 614-2255, from Jumpstart Belize on WhatsApp at 917-500-0923 and Facebook Messenger.

Donations may also be deposited to Marlon Castillo at Atlantic Bank account #211100789.

Marlon Castillo has been one of Belize’s leading cyclists. After a hiatus, he had launched a comeback before the meat grinder accident and was again a driving force in the sport. The expectation in the cycling community is that he can ride competitively again.