Family members of a Kamloops man who was paralyzed from the waist down after a horrific car crash are doing what they can to aid in his recovery.
Tammy Jones took to Facebook to post about a by-donation hotdog sale to raise funds towards her nephew Tory Jones, and stem cell research. Tory broke his back at the T12 vertebrae on July 23rd which caused paralysis in his legs which may be irreversible.
"Hey guys just an update for you," wrote Jones' GoFundMe. "Tory's T11/T12 fracture paralysis from waist down is still in the same status of little to no feeling. At this point we are looking into alternate treatment through clinical trials. Most of these trials have a very short window of opportunity after injury for participation so working on getting things in motion. The trials we are submitting applications to are geographically all over the world, with high hopes for one which is a stem cell transplant through the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota."
"We recently have heard back and are in the mid application process. In order to be considered, they do require their own physical examination at the place of research so travel will be required and if eligible, likely many trips over a few year periods."
With many of these treatments being "experimental," the Jones' can't rely on insurance which is why they're raising funds for Tory. The GoFundMe set up for Jones in July has resulted in $21,425 raised, though that is still not enough.
The family and community have been rallying behind the words #JonesStrong, which will surely be a theme of the hotdog sale.
Residents looking to give what they can and help the Jones' can head to the Sa-Hali Save on Foods this Sunday. The hotdog sale runs from noon to 6 pm with 100% of the proceeds going to Tory.
Residents who can't make the event but still want to donate can do so through here.
