By: Debbie Quinn – February 2013
On January 16, 2013 Jack Trottier, a 17 year old Tyngsboro High School student, was snowboarding in his friend’s backyard when the unthinkable happened; he fell after going off a two foot jump and landed the wrong way. Jack was transported to Children’s Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery for a broken C6 vertebra, however, he is now paralyzed from the chest down. His family was eventually able to get him into the Shepherd Center, located in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and is the best facility in the US.
You should know that this young man is an avid snowboarder and is an instructor at Nashoba Valley Ski Area. He easily handles 20 – 30 foot jumps routinely. Jack is also the star quarterback for Tyngsboro High with a 10 and 2 record last season and plays on the lacrosse team. He’s not only a great athlete and kid but a born leader. We are hopeful that his athleticism, strength and determination will help him to recover fully.
Jack is starting an intense eight (8) week program at the Shepherd Center. His family, friends and even strangers have been working incredibly hard with fundraising efforts and in so many other ways including modifying the Jack’s house to be wheelchair accessible. The outpouring of love, prayer and donations has been unbelievable and is so much appreciated.
In addition to medical expenses and other unknown items that will surely arise, the family is focusing on finding a handicap accessible van that will cost upwards of $30,000. After hearing this tragic story, Charles Daher of Commonwealth Motors pledged $500 and would like to send out a challenge to all other dealerships in the area to meet or beat his original pledge. Jack’s Dad, Bill, is a 25 year employee of Wayside Ford in Marlboro MA and fellow employees there took up a collection already and pledged $1000 to the fund. Charlie believes that all employees of dealerships belong to a tight knit family and will always come through in good times and bad. We sincerely hope he is right!
All donations should be sent to Dick Insurance Agency c/o Barry Dick, 461 Main Street, Tewksbury MA 01876. Please make checks payable to Tiger Football Club – “Get Jack Better”.
Please keep Jack in your thoughts and prayers.