In the August 31 – September 6 weekly issue of the Berkshire Record, a small item appeared concerning fundraising efforts for Tim and another young Berkshire man. We would like all readers of this blog to know that we had nothing to do with the placement of this information (it can’t really be called an “article”) and that the Record did not contact us for clarification or permission.
Several phrases were used that troubled us a bit – “South County men seeking help,” “Tim Butterworth (is) seeking assistance after (an) accident left (him) paralyzed,” and “the victim’s family (is) attempting to raise money for (Tim’s) future.”
We’re sure that you are all aware that any fundraising efforts have been initiated by our friends in this community, and that we struggled a bit with the idea when it first came up. Since that time, the generosity of family, friends and the community, along with our insurance, financial resources and thoughtful planning have allowed us to manage the situation. The growth of The Butters Fund has been a tremendously humbling and inspiring experience to witness.
We enjoy the Berkshire Record, and we are sure that they felt that they were doing a community service, so we don’t want to make a big deal about this. For our friends though, we do want to make a clarification. To read our original position on fund raising for Tim, we have attached it as a “comment” to this posting. You can read it by clicking on the word “comment!”
As stated often over the last 7+ weeks, our thanks go out to the many, many people and organizations who have taken on enough of our load to help us get through this. Our family is grateful and we feel supported and loved.
The Butterworth Family would like to acknowledge the tremendous outpouring of support, love and caring that we received in response to the terrible accident that our son Tim experienced on July 12. The West Stockbridge and Berkshires communities have reinforced our notion that this is a wonderful place to live for many reasons, but especially because of the people we call our neighbors and friends.
ReplyDeleteIt has come to our attention that some folks are interested in raising funds to assist us with Tim’s ongoing care. We were humbled to learn of this, but somewhat uncomfortable with it. Currently, we are able to manage our financial situation with insurance and some good contacts in the Boston area that have provided us with discounted or free hotel rooms, apartment use, parking and even some meals. At the same time, our home and pets continue to be looked after in our absence. But, because we can’t know the long term extent of Tim’s injuries and the limits of our insurance coverage (although it seems fairly comprehensive at this time) we realize that we should accept these offers in the spirit with which they have been offered.
Tim is currently living at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where he will be undergoing at least 12 weeks of intensive therapies. The goal is to become independent, but how that is defined remains to be seen. We may need to make modifications to our home, and Tim might benefit from special equipment for a car or computer to make his life more manageable.
We pledge that any funds raised on behalf of Tim Butterworth will only be used for his benefit. When the time comes when Tim has become fully independent, any remaining money in the funds will be donated to the West Stockbridge and Richmond Rescue Squads, BMC and Spaulding.
Thank you again for the ongoing concern and support for Tim.
Brian, Amy, Tim and Jancy Butterworth