Support Sought For Teen With Cerebral Palsy

March 4, 2015

A local teenager with cerebral palsy in need of appropriate transportation is the focus of a plea for support from the community, with donations hoped to add up to enough to purchase a vehicle that allows the young man to travel comfortably.

Jonathan Marshall, who is now 17-years-old, was born with cerebral palsy due to his premature birth at 26 weeks. Following surgery last summer on his lower spine, he is no longer able to fit into his family’s vehicle in order to travel around the island, including to school.

Krystle Johnson, a Care Worker who worked with Jonathan at Windreach Explorer Summer Camp in 2010, said, “I have known Jonathan for five years now and have such an amazing bond with him. Jonathan has made me aware of the different side of his disabilities.”

Car Appeal (2)

“Jonathan has overcome many obstacles in his life due to his disability and has struggled through so much pain, but he always has a smile on his face. He recently had surgery on his lower spine, which was curving into his stomach and causing terrible pressure and daily pain to his insides.

“This surgery took place in July 2014 and since the surgery Jonathan has not been able to fit in his car to go to school. He has been bed confined home since his operation and when his mother tried to take him to his doctor’s appointment, he broke his leg as he was too tall to fit in her car.

“His mother is a single parent and is desperately pleading for anyone who can help her financially in obtaining a car for his transportation so that she will be able to get him back and forth from home to school. Jonathan is a wonderful young man that loves attending school and seeing his friends.”

Car Appeal (1)

“He enjoys taking part in boccia on Saturdays. He is a very smart young man and loves to be outdoors. Jonathan is unable to do all these things without transportation. We have tried to get a bus to come to pick him up, but where he stays the bus is unable to get to him.

“I would truly like to help him in any way possible so that his mother could get this car that has come available and will cost about $30,000. This is Jonathan’s dream, that his mother would be able to get this car so that she can take him to do all the things he loves.

“Any additional money left over will go towards any additional medical funds for Jonathan. I would like to thank everyone for their support during this time and hope we can all come together and help this young man.”

To donate to Jonathan’s cause, monies can be deposited via the Bank of Butterfield account 0601312470011 or HSBC account 002 054856 012.

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Comments (16)

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  1. My heart is grieved when we see such need among our people but not enough support, we have the America’s Cup we can find all the money we need for that, we have a cancelled Ag show that we can find the funding for that by private groups of people,so my plea is let’s not just support this family and their wish to get a second hand vehicle on emoo, but let’s come together and purchase a brand new one for such a worthy cause and to help lighten this families load, this is a special needs individual, and most bloggers would write up the ying yang and criticize what is not being done, and what can be done in every area of politics, but when it comes to real issues like this we don’t see to many bloggers giving their support,Today let’s not just read this moving story but let’s do something and put our differences to the side and get it done. This mother would be grateful and this family would be blessed,we get to deal with situations like this only when we read about them or see it on the news, but far to many families live with these types of issues everyday and most of main stream don’t give them a second thought, once the story fades away.

    • Krystle Johnson says:

      Thank you so much for your words

  2. Concerned says:

    why can’t one of the garages donate a car that has been repaired, in great condition and offer her 3yrs free maintenance and then funds can be donated to the young man’s medicals.

    • CJA says:

      You say that so easy as if money grows on trees. If it were that easy we’d all just give him a car.

  3. ? says:

    Bermudians fight against social services and equal protection….yet demand that a private business should provide for this young boy.
    You’re a strange lot.

  4. Jean Kromer says:

    My family an I have known Jonathan through Krystle for 5 years now and he is such a sweet, loving young man and through all his ordeals has never complained. If anyone could please help him, it would be much appreciated. . Jonathan really wants so to go back to school and be able to see his friends

  5. this is my son jonathan says:

    Yes please everyone please help us. We are asking for help to get a regular car as he needs a van that’s tall enough and has a ramp for his chair. My email address is sheilamarsh_7@yahoo.com and if any questions please email me. I am a single mom and I need this help

    • this is my son jonathan says:

      A regular car will not fit his wheelchair but we do have a van that has been put up for sale so can I please get help to get this much needed transportation that we need so desperately!!!

  6. Bermuda Skies says:

    Praying that the funds and help becomes available for such a great person and purpose.

  7. Surii's Mommy says:

    What’s the name on the account??

  8. sheila says:

    Sheila Marshall is the name for the accounts

  9. Sky Pilot says:

    If we could get half the people of Bermuda to cough up $1 that would cover it.

    Easier typed than done maybe,but it would work.

  10. 100 % Real says:

    This mother has been through so much . May God open people’s heart to Bless this family…