On July 7, 2025, my nephew, Francis Pelletier, son of Joe and Colleen Pelletier, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury affecting his C2, C3, C4 and C5 vertebrae.

Francis is a vibrant, kind, and determined 22 year old who has spent years dedicating himself to the sports he loves, including wrestling, judo, and tennis. Francis is also a gifted and passionate artist, cartoonist, and graphic designer. He recently graduated from the University of Rhode Island and was set to begin a Master’s program this fall. Just this spring, he traveled to Japan and Ireland with friends, full of excitement and dreams for the future.

After a 14-hour surgery and more than 3 weeks in the ICU, Francis is finally stable enough to begin the next phase of recovery at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA. While this is a hopeful step forward, the road ahead will be long and challenging. His injury has left him with limited movement in both his upper and lower extremities, and the journey to regain strength, independence, and mobility will require months, if not years, of intensive rehabilitation, equipment and support.

Many of you know Francis’s devoted parents, Joe and Colleen, and his older brother, Joseph. They have been by his side every single day. However, as you can imagine, the emotional and financial burden of an injury like this is overwhelming. We are asking for your support to help cover the enormous costs associated with Francis’s recovery,

including hospital stays, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and ongoing care. Every dollar raised will go directly to helping Francis have the best possible chance at rebuilding his life.

Francis is strong, both in body and in spirit, and he is ready to fight. But he can’t do it alone. Please donate if you can, and share this page widely with friends, family, and anyone who can help.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With gratitude,

Doug Petrarca