The power of social media

By Karlene Skretting
Westwind Weekly News
reporter.karlene@gmail.com
The power of social media, and its ability to do good and bring people together has recently been demonstrated with the GoFundMe Praying for David profile page as people continue to share it on Facebook and Twitter.
In a 24 hour period over $9, 300 was raised between the 149 people whose donations ranged between $10 and $200.
The profile was set up on Feb. 9 by Coralee Williams, after a prompt from her niece Amber Caldwell. The funds being raised through the online fundraising website are for David Paxman, his wife Jill and their families. All humble individuals who wouldn’t ask for help themselves, noted Williams.
“We just knew that Jill and David (Paxman) would have some expenses down the road with him being hospitalized, probably for an extensive amount of time, and a lot of people were looking for a way to show their love and support,” said Coralee Williams, Jill’s aunt, about why she set up the profile on GoFundMe.
David was in a serious accident on Feb. 6 when he fell from a roof. He sustained life-threatening injuries from the fall, including a broken neck, back, arm, kneecap, legs, and a brain injury. He is in the ICU in Calgary in serious condition, remaining in a medically induced coma to reduce brain swelling.
Williams hopes that the funds will help reduce the stress of the unexpected financial burden. “Right now they need to focus on David getting well and not having the added stress of financial burden,” reads the GoFundMe profile. The money will help cover additional medical costs, accommodations, food, parking and gas.
Williams said that the response has been overwhelming. “I honestly thought it would take several weeks to hit the initial $10,000 goal. But in less than two hours there was over $2,000.”
As of Wednesday afternoon at press time the $10,000 goal was passed.
Most of the people to donate so far have been family and friends, a benefit of growing up in a small community. When tragedy strikes everyone rallies together to show their support. David grew up in Raymond and Jill in Cardston, where the pair touched many lives with their friendship and service.
The family is completely overwhelmed by the support as well. “Jill can’t believe there is that many people who care that much about them. She is truly grateful to everyone that has donated,” shared Williams.
Those interested in making a donation can do so at http://www.gofundme.com/m0uicw
Individuals can stay up to date on David and the family, by joining the Facebook group called Praying for David Paxman where the family posts daily updates on his condition and what is happening at the hospital.
“The family is hoping for the best. He is receiving great care.”