Jeffery Chick was an elementary teacher of 40 plus years in Machias, Robinson, and more recently Harrington, Maine. He taught grades 4, 5, and 6. He was loved by his students, highly respected by members of the faculty, and a major contributor to community service through organizations such as the Rotary (president), and various fund-raising groups. Jeff also taught classes in the “Jobs for Maine’s Graduates” (JMG), which was a program to help students get their high school diplomas as well as skills that would help them obtain jobs. Yes, he was an exemplary educator, but he was also a mentor, a sometimes confidant, and was always available to his students when they needed someone to talk to about the many problems that confront early adolescents. He also coached the girls’ basketball team. As these children grew into adulthood, they all remember Jeff and have fond memories of his influential role in their lives. In short, he had a positive influence on people’s lives and a played an important role in his community. He made a difference.

To supplement the family income, Jeff founded a lawn care business called “One of a Kind Cut Lawn Care”. He worked in this business during the summer when school was out. One of the services provided by One of a Kind Cut Lawn Care was tree pruning and in some cases removal. Jeff practiced rigid safety guidelines when felling trees and had never suffered any previous mishaps. On May 17 of this year an accident occurred that was destined to change the course of Jeff’s life. As he was cutting down a tree, the top broke off hitting him on the head breaking his neck, nearly severing his spinal cord. Jeff was rushed to the hospital where he was placed in intensive care and an induced coma.

Two months later Jeff was awakened only to be told that the accident had left him paralyzed from the waist down. His upper body had obviously atrophied, and his neck and the top portion of his spinal cord had fused together leaving him with limited neck and shoulder movement. He was unable to communicate with his family due to a ventilator and trach having been inserted in his throat. He was only able to move his head and roll his eyes in response to their questions.

Rather than say “Why me?” and feeling sorry for himself, Jeff expressed his thankfulness for being alive, and with his typical positive attitude started looking ahead to see how he might move on with his life in his now reduced physical condition. His major concern was getting back to the classroom teaching “his kids”. He views that as his sole purpose in life. He has told me that his three goals moving forward are to become independent and self-sufficient, to learn how to drive again, and most important to get back to his life’s charter: teaching. He is determined to teach again.

Many expenses have been incurred that are stressing the family finances. Jeff’s home had to be completely gutted and remodeled to meet his now, compromised mobility requirements. Medical expenses not covered by insurance are currently being borne by family members. Van conversions, ramps, generators, a custom wheelchair, a special wheelchair for use in the shower to name a few. A professional rehabilitator will need to be employed to compliment the 24/7 care that he currently requires. His lawn care business is shut down. The school administration is paying his salary for this school year ending in June of 2026. After that all income will have evaporated. His plan is to be ready to return to teaching in September 2026 and be on the payroll once again.

Jeff returned home on October 20th and is currently adjusting to his new surroundings. He is continuing with his rehab complimented by daily exercises designed to increase his upper body strength and flexibility. Use of his arms and hands have shown marked improvement. His cognitive abilities are excellent. His attitude is positive and upbeat. But he has a long and arduous road to recovery.

Jeff has spent his adult life unselfishly giving to and helping others. Now it’s time for us to help him. I hope you’ll consider making a contribution to his cause and help him get back into the classroom.