Southport Magazine

What: Brassard Fund-raising Event
When: Sunday, August 4th
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Tropical Smoothie Cafe
1671 N. Howe St., Southport
Info: (910) 363-4908

On April 15th, 2013, America was rocked as bombs thundered and exploded during the Boston Marathon, injuring over 250 racers and spectators, and killing three. The heart-shattering sight made a global impact, as race directors around the world tightened security on events that are otherwise known as uplifting and triumphant for both competitors and those looking on.

Despite the fear pulsing through every attendee’s veins, many gathered around the injured to provide first aid and a shoulder to lean on. Photos and videos emerged of the selfless acts of humanity, including a college student who turned his T-shirt into a tourniquet to help a man hit by shrapnel.

The Framingham State College student was 23-year-old Rob Wheeler, who rushed to the aid of 51-year-old Ron Brassard of Epsom, New Hampshire. Brassard had been viewing the race from the sidewalk when the bomb went off, impaling his leg with pieces of the homemade bomb and knocking him to the ground.

Wheeler had finished the race two minutes before the bomb went off. He was unscathed—but he ran to the site of the explosion to assist anyone injured. That is when he heard Brassard’s daughter cry for help.

Brassard’s daughter and his wife, Karen, also suffered shrapnel wounds but were not severely injured. Due to Wheeler’s quick actions, Brassard was able to keep his leg. According to the “New York Daily News,” the Brassards would attend Wheeler’s graduation in May. The family formed a strong bond with the young man, who planned to join the Marines.

In Southport, Brassard’s injury hit home for one local restaurateur. “Ron has been a mentor of mine for over 15 years,” John Kablik, franchisee of the newly opened Tropical Smoothie Cafe and a former resident of New Hampshire, explains. “He took me under his wing and helped in my career development while employed at Tyco Fire and Security from 1997 to 2002. Both Ron and Karen are the most caring and compassionate people we know. [Helping them] is very important to us.”

On Sunday, August 4th, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., 20 percent of the cafe’s sales will be donated to the Brassards. Kablik will match the amount raised in a personal donation. The cafe also will accept separate donations for the family. “The funds will be sent by check immediately after the event to the Brassards. This will be transparent and all records will be kept on file,” he assures.

For more information on the fund-raiser, call (910) 363-4908. To view the Tropical Smoothie Cafe menu, click here.