Accidents can be life-changing, and a Riverview family is finding that out.
Sixteen-year-old Levi Sutherland suffered a serious spinal injury and is paralyzed after a diving accident last month.
“On June 13, Levi and his friends were celebrating the last day of school, just hanging out, enjoying life, as young boys do. And next thing you know, there was an accident where he jumped into the pool and ended up not surfacing right away. The boys jumped in to pull him out to safety, and then he found himself on the way to the hospital in the ambulance,” Levi’s uncle, Matt Sutherland, told our newsroom.
Levi’s friends, Chase Nagle, Elliot Arbuckle, and Weston Baisley are credited with helping to save Levi’s life that day.
Levi spent a few weeks at the IWK in Halifax, but he was recently transported to the Stan Cassidy Centre in Fredericton.
“Levi’s spirits are fantastic. He’s really trying to recover the best he can and focus on that, while also maintaining a positive attitude and just being very engaged and wants to know what’s going on, and wants to hear it direct. Doesn’t want to kind of be left in the dark,” Matt adds.
The community has rallied around the teen whose life has quickly changed forever.
A GoFundMe page was initially set up to assist the family with associated costs. As of July 24, over $54,000 has already been raised.
“That GoFundMe skyrocketed and went well beyond the initial goal. You don’t really understand the costs that are associated with something like this. Whether it be, loss of time from work, travelling back and forth for their other children, the medical expenses that are going to arise from this or house, modifications, and wheelchair. All the kind of things that life just throws at you and you’re not really necessarily preparing for,” Matt says.
Another fundraiser will be held on Friday, July 26 at the Holy Whale Beer Hall on Coverdale Road in Riverview.
Concertgoers can expect a great show featuring Canadian country artists. Award-winning musician Ben Chase of PEI will be headlining. Sean Michael Ryan will be playing an intimate acoustic
set, and singer-songwriter of the single “Good Things” Riley Taylor of Burton, New Brunswick will also
be taking the stage.
“We understand that everybody works hard for their money, and we also want to figure out, how can we raise some finances for the family, but also, at the same time, give them a way to feel a part of this journey. We don’t know how long it’s going to be, but that’s kind of the thought process behind these events, and there’ll be more in the future as we continue,” Matt stressed.
Unfortunately, Levi is unable to attend the planned event, due to his recovery and treatment at the Stan Cassidy Centre, but Matt says they’re going to livestream it so he’ll be able to see all the support from family, friends and the community. He wants Levi to know that everyone is rallying behind him and for his recovery.
You can purchase tickets for Friday’s event HERE
