Community raises funds for Andover teen paralyzed in swimming accident
An ambulance company announced they would provide all transportation needs for Jack Gerard and his family.
The family and friends of a teenager who was paralyzed while celebrating the Fourth of July on Cape Cod are trying to raise $250,000 to cover hospital costs, and they’re already a fifth of the way there.
Jack Gerard, of Andover, would have been starting his first year at the University of Massachusetts this month. Instead, he is focusing on recovering from a debilitating C6 spinal cord injury he suffered while swimming at a beach in Chatham on July 4th.
He was taken to Tufts Medical Center where he underwent two surgeries in six hours. But he was left paralyzed without movement in his hands and legs.
Friends of Gerard’s family set up a GoFundMe page on Sunday asking for help with the large fees associated with treatment and rehab. By Thursday afternoon, more than $50,000 had been raised.
“Always looking forward, Jack is positive, learning to live with his paralysis, and focused on recovery through aggressive physical therapy,” the GoFundMe page stated.
Action Ambulance Inc. on Thursday encouraged people to donate and announced they would provide all transportation needs for Gerard and his family during his treatment and recovery.
“Jack is an inspiring young man. He has an incredibly positive attitude. He is an athlete, an honor student, and an all-around good kid,” Action CEO Michael Woronka said in a statement. “We stand with Jack and his incredible family, and we pledge to always be there to support him in his recovery.”
Since the GoFundMe page launched, friends used the hashtag #jacksback to promote donations.
https://twitter.com/CCHSraider/status/770374851420913664
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