Geno’s Steaks, Philadelphia’s most iconic cheesesteak restaurant, is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, September 13th, for Kirk Crandall, a young man who suffers from paralysis following a 2012 car crash. Geno Vento, owner of Geno’s Steaks, was touched by Kirk’s story when they met at the Magee Rehabilitation center last year. Kirk was recently accepted to the prestigious Barwis Methods rehab program in Michigan, lead by Mike Barwis of Discovery Channel’s American Muscle.

Kirk was 21-years-old when he was involved in a major car accident near his home in upstate New York. The wreck left him with a complete C6 spinal cord injury, and he is now a quadriplegic (completely paralyzed from the neck down). Kirk and his mother, Shawn, have traveled the country seeking the best treatment for his injury, and became close friends with Geno Vento when they met at Magee Rehab (where Geno was being treated for a knee injury). Insurance will no longer pay for Kirk’s treatments – despite the incredible strides he’s making on his own.

“Kirk has been an inspiration to me since the first moment I met him,” said Geno Vento. “He continues to push himself, day in and day out, even when insurance is telling him there’s nothing more he can do. If Kirk can put in the work with a smile on his face, the least we can do is support his healing.”

Against all odds, Kirk has begun moving his arms and legs. A year with Mike Barwis is the most intensive treatment he can receive; Barwis has been known to perform miracles for professional athletes and those recovering from injuries. However, a year in the Barwis neurological reengineering program costs over $50,000.

A portion of the sales on September 13th will go to funding Kirk’s upcoming treatment. DJ Perry Angelozzi will be spinning, and special guests will be stopping by.