We moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1994 after one of our children had experienced years of debilitating health challenges. We left behind careers that were forcing us to spend more time apart than we did together. We were looking for, among other things, a bit of refuge from the rat race and a supportive community.

As has been reported in the Island newspapers on December 5 our 34 year old son Jakob experienced the rapid onset of paralysis. He was taken by ambulance to Boston, where he underwent spinal fusion surgery. He then spent nearly three months at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, relearning how to walk. He returned to the Island on February 27. He is making great progress. Many months of hard work lie ahead for Jake, but we have reason to hope that he will regain nearly all of his prior mobility.

During this whole ordeal the outpouring of love and support from this community has been phenomenal. At the P.A. Club in Oak Bluffs last Friday, hundreds of you came to celebrate with us, give encouragement to Jakob, and lend very welcome, and unbelievably generous, financial support. We are truly overwhelmed.

We came to this Island for refuge and community. We found it.

With love from us all,

Betty Burton, John Sundman, Grace Burton-Sundman, Jakob Burton-Sundman, Jainaba Tuffile.

Vineyard Haven