Jeffrey Fuller is over six feet tall, has 280 pounds of muscle, and is slipping in and out of consciousness in a hospital bed because of a mosquito that infected him with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.

"He looks like he should be a defensive back for the Patriots," said his sister Michelle Fitzgerald.  "To see him taken out by a mosquito, and to see him laying in bed all day, its just frightening."

Also frightening are the hospital bills.  The Middleboro resident's health insurance only covers a limited amount of rehabilitation (for which the hospital is already preemptively setting up a payment plan), but the disease is so rare that there is no "standard" treatment.

"There's no [treatment] protocol... we're not going to know what to expect," said Fitzgerald.  "It's been just horrific."

So Fitzgerald is planning a benefit to support Fuller's wife and two kids, and spread the message that even a "big, strapping guy" like Fuller can be knocked down by a small, bothersome but common insect.

"The state needs to be more proactive," Fitzgerald said.  "They need to spray early and spray often - don't wait until you find infected pools in every town in Southeast Masaschusetts."

The event will be held at the Middleboro Elks Lodge, on Friday, December 3 from 6 to 11 p.m.  Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and attendees will enjoy music by The Tune Goon, food, raffles, and silent auctions.

The event will also provide an opportunity for the Fullers to thank the community for its support.   Although it is impossible to determine exactly where he contracted the disease, Fuller spent time in Middleboro and Wareham when it is believed that he was bitten by the infected mosquito, and both communities have rallied to the family's side.

"There has been an amazing outpouring of support, it's overwhelming," said Fitzgerald.

For more information and tickets, please call or email Michelle Fitzgerald at 508-662-2784 or peaches0409@verizon.net.

A fund has also been established in Jeffrey's name at Eastern Bank.  To make a tax-deductible contribution, please make checks payable to:

Michelle Fitzgerald FBO Jeffrey Fuller
c/o Eastern Bank
226 Main St.
Wareham, MA 02571

Donations can also be made in person at any branch.