Beloved New Jersey Filmer Partially Paralyzed After Spinal Cord Injury

Ben Gravy has the ultimate partner in Zayn Makki. 

Like backwash at El Slammo, their two personalities meshed into something original. Makki has traveled the world with Ben, shooting him everywhere from Off the Wall caverns to rivers in Idaho. He’s one of those guys who exudes good energy, never says no and is always down to help. You need only look at the magazine posters on Zayn’s wall to know he’s a true surf fanatic.

We’re deeply saddened sad news that Zayn suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury last week. A fractured C7 vertebra and deep bruising. At the time of writing, he is paralyzed from the chest down. Fortunately, there’s a chance he can make a full recovery, but it’s going to be a long, painful, and expensive process. That’s where you can make a difference. 

“Makki is going to have a very very long road to recovery,” Ben said. “Even if it ends up being less serious than I imagine it to be, it’s going to take him time, energy, effort, and it’s going to be a massive medical expense. He’s going to have to go through therapy and all kinds of stuff to get back on his feet.”

You can make a donation via GoFundMe here. Below is the full description of what happened and how your dollar can help one of New Jersey’s finest. Ben is also partnering with Red Bull and its Wings for Life program to raise money for medical research on spinal cord injuries.

On the weekend of April 24th, our dear friend Zayn Makki—known to many as “Makki Films”—was involved in a devastating accident that has changed his life in an instant. While spending time by the water, Zayn dove off a dock, not realizing the water below was far too shallow. The impact caused a severe spinal injury. Zayn suffered a C7 burst fracture vertebra, which led to significant trauma to his spinal cord, including deep bruising. As a result of these injuries, he currently has no feeling or ability to move anything below his chest. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition and required immediate, intensive medical care. Since then, Zayn has begun a long and uncertain journey toward recovery.

Zayn is—and will always be—the life of the party. His smile and handsome good looks lights up a room whenever he’s present. He’s built friendships not only in his local community, but all over the world. Through Makki Films, Zayn has made a lasting, positive impact on the surf community. Now, it’s our time to be there for him. The road ahead will include extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and major life adjustments. The financial burden of these expenses is overwhelming, and that’s why we’re coming together as a community to support him.

Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward Zayn’s medical care, rehabilitation, and support during this incredibly difficult time. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us. Thank you for keeping Zayn in your thoughts and for helping him through this incredibly difficult journey.

Donate here.