Jaden Butt

My name is Karen Yetman and I am starting this fundraiser for my close friends Tina and Andre Butt of Springdale, whose son Jaden was in a serious ATV accident earlier this year.

As some of you are already aware, 17-year-old Jaden had an ATV accident on August 24,2024, bursting his L1, which left him paralyzed with a T12 neurological level of injury. Basically, he has lost most use of both legs. Jaden was medevacked to St. John's where he had emergency surgery on his back. Rods and bolts were put in to help stabilize his spine, along with a spinal fusion and decompression. Tina and Andre were told that Jaden would make a full recovery. That did not happen. After four weeks at the Health Science Center in St. John's, Jaden was transferred to the L A Miller Center for rehab. Towards the end of October, it was determined that Jaden would benefit by going to the Shriner's hospital in Philadelphia, which medical services would be sponsored by the Mazol Shriner's NL. Jaden had hoped to be fitted for AFO walking braces, which would help with his recovery. However, once there, a 3D CT scan showed that hardware on both sides of his back failed causing two bolts to pull out each time he leaned forward. As a result, a second surgery will have to be performed to repair this. Jaden and his family returned home feeling devastated.

In early January, the family will once again fly back to Philadelphia for surgery. Jaden will be fitted with a back brace and return home again for 3 months. They will return to Philadelphia again in April to get his walking braces, Jaden's treatment will be an estimated 3 year process having to travel every 6 months for 2 weeks of intense therapy.

The road to recovery will be long and challenging for Jaden and his family. Along with the physical and emotional toll of this accident, there is the financial burden of medical and future expenses. Insurance can only cover so much and there are medical items that are not covered at all. There will be periods of unpaid leave from work to attend to Jaden's travel and recovery, both in NL and the U.S.

Outside of the loss of income, monies raised will go towards the many costs associated with Jaden's recovery such as accommodations, meals, prescriptions that are not covered by insurance, medical equipment (wheelchair and walking aids) and subsequent amendments to their home in Springdale when Jaden returns home.

We understand that these are challenging times for many, but please make a donation if you can. If financial support is not possible, please share Jaden's story through social media. Your shares, thoughts and prayers are equally valuable in this time of need. Let's come together to show Jaden and his family the power of community and compassion.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Karen Yetman on behalf of the Butt family