I’m writing on behalf of my brother, Neil Welch, more commonly known as Apple. Neil was seriously injured in an accident on Nov. 24, 2014. He is currently in Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, after spending five weeks at Massachusetts General Hospital in the intensive care unit. He will be moving to another rehabilitation facility closer to home soon. We, Neil’s family, have received and are grateful for the continued support and well wishes from our community. Many have asked how they can help, so a fund has been started through You’ve 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 You’ve 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; the nonprofit 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 in honor of Neil Welch may be mailed directly to YGAF, Inc. c/o Neil Welch, P.O. Box 1317, West Tisbury, MA 02575. Checks should be made out to YGAF.

Diane Welch
Vineyard Haven