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John Berardi, 33, was just blocks from home, carrying a pizza in late November, when three juveniles armed with metal poles and broomsticks ambushed him, according to a GoFundMe started by his fiancée this week.
Hoping to avoid confrontation, Berardi handed over his dinner without hesitation, but instead of leaving, one of the suspects swung a metal pole at his face, fracturing his nose, splitting open his forehead, and causing permanent vision loss in his right eye.
Since that night, Berardi has been fighting for his health and for justice, his loved ones say.
The brutal assault required multiple surgeries, including a painful retina repair procedure that forced him to lie face down 24 hours a day for 16 days straight.
Despite these efforts, his vision will never fully return, his fiancée said.
Berardi spent the night of the attack in the hospital, and complications forced him back on Christmas Day, "robbing him of time with his family," she added.
The suspects who attacked Berardi have yet to be arrested.
"John didn’t deserve this. No one does," Chrissy Costill wrote. "But together, we can make sure he gets the care he needs and support him as he fights for justice—not just for himself, but for everyone."
Berardi’s recovery has kept him from enjoying his passions—reading, traveling, and staying active.
Instead, his days are filled with hospital stays, vision therapy, and community advocacy, Costill said.
He’s using his voice to demand reform, meeting with lawmakers and speaking with reporters, determined to prevent similar tragedies.
While he fights for change, his family is battling the financial burden of his medical care.
"While he fights for reform, we are also facing immense medical expenses and the financial strain of his long recovery," Costill continued.
"John has undergone extensive surgeries, countless doctor visits, and faces more procedures, vision therapy, and ongoing care."
The GoFundMe to support Berardi’s recovery and legal fight had raised over $12,700 of its $21,100 goal as of Thursday, Feb. 20.
"Despite everything, John has been relentless in pushing for justice—not just for himself, but to make Baltimore safer," the Federal Hill South Neighborhood Association posted on social media. "He’s been advocating for real change to hold violent offenders accountable and prevent others from going through what he has.
"I’m sharing his GoFundMe to help with medical expenses and lost wages as he continues to recover and fight for change."
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