To the Editor:
Iʼm writing on behalf of my brother, Neil Welch, more commonly known as “Apple.” Neil was seriously injured in an accident on Nov. 24, 2014 (Nov. 25, “Pedestrian struck by car on Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road Monday night”). After spending five weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital in the intensive care unit, he is currently in Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown. He will be moved to another rehabilitation facility closer to home soon.
We, Neilʼs family, have received and are grateful for the continued support and well wishes of our community. Many have asked how they can help, so a fund has been started through Youʼve Got a Friend. This will help Neil and our family with unpaid medical and travel expenses. I thank you, again, and know that you wish the best for Neil, as we do, and that he gets back to his routines, his daily walks, helping his friends, and chatting with all he comes across.
Donations are managed by Youʼve Got a Friend, Inc. (YGAF), a local 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, established 15 years ago. The mission of YGAF includes aiding Islanders suffering from a catastrophic illness or event, and it has administered over a million dollars in donations for Islanders. Its board members are unpaid volunteers, and the Law Office of George B. Brush administers YGAF at no cost while providing pro bono legal counsel. As a result, YGAF is able to apply donations to YGAF beneficiaries or chosen causes without deduction for administrative or professional costs.
Contributions to help Neil Welch may be mailed directly to YGAF, Inc., c/o Neil Welch, PO Box 1317, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Checks should be made out to “YGAF.”
Diane Welch
Edgartown