Support JT’s Journey to recovery

What started out as an afternoon of leisure on the slopes turned in an instant and the life of a promising, beloved young man was irrevocably altered in a single moment. After losing his skis and hitting a pole backwards going about 40 mph, JT was left with shattered disks, a broken foot, dislocated shoulder and paralyzed from the waist down. Life will never be the same for JT and his parents Tom and Michelle Turnbull.

Since the day of the accident, Saturday, January 27th, JT has endured multiple surgeries and is expected to remain at ECMC for 4-6 weeks. JT’s journey to recover and his fight to walk again will be a long one, consisting of many more medical interventions, physical therapy, modifications at home for accessibility, new transportation needs going forward and travel to seek the best treatments available.

To know the Turnbulls is to love the Turnbulls. This family has always stepped up to support and assist when people were in need. Always active in our community, you will see them volunteering, supporting small businesses and participating in community events. Tom is a rotary member, retired Genesee County Chamber executive director, and prior editor of Batavia Daily News. Michelle is a retired physical education teacher at Genesee Valley BOCES where you will continue to see her filling in as a sub when needed. She also spent years supporting all students of Batavia City schools through her work with parent volunteer groups and sports boosters.

It’s our turn to return their generosity. Facing this challenge brings uncertainty for the Turnbulls, but with your kindness and generosity we can make a difference in their fight. Please consider contributing to this GoFundMe, where your donations will go directly to JT’s recovery and helping him resume his life. Let’s all help make #JTSJOURNEY one that is hallmarked by the same love and support we know his family would offer up to others. No contribution is too small and all will be deeply appreciated.

More about JT:

JT is an avid sportsman and was a hockey goalie through college. You could find him enjoying a day on the golf course, skiing, hiking or supporting his beloved Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills. A graduate of UB, he was actively making plans to continue his education to pursue his MBA prior to the accident. He has a promising career in insurance and is a member of the Tompkins insurance agencies family where he has been employed the past few years. His job, schooling opportunities and hobbies will all be waiting for him once he is well enough, so please know that every dollar brings us closer to helping him get back to all things he loves. Standing together will be our strength in #JTSJOURNEY!

A special friend:

When an old soul meets another, there is a kindred component to their connection. It’s as if they have an instant recognition of how special it is in this world to have young hearts, but wisdom beyond their years. Such has been the cornerstone of the friendship JT and Cam share; making them the best of friends since the age of two.

From Cam: “A friendship that lasts and thrives throughout nearly a quarter of a century isn’t something I take lightly. The loyalty and understanding JT has shown me and everyone he meets is only a small part of what makes him such a special and loved person. Anyone who holds a friend like this close to their heart will understand that you would do anything to ease their pain (Field of Dreams reference intended). I hope that with your help we can all go the distance to show our love and support for JT during this difficult journey.”

From JT: “Thank you all for the best wishes. While the outcome looks bleak, the fighter still remains.”

Let’s help JT win this fight!

With love and heartfelt gratitude for your support of this fund:

Friends of JT