Urgent Help needed for Barry Shea

Urgent Help Needed for Barry Shea,

Dedicated Husband, Beloved Father, Teacher,

Peace Corps Volunteer, and Devoted Family Man

Dear friends, family, Tufts Community, Boston Public Schools Supporters, and fellow Peace Corps Volunteers,

We are reaching out to you today with heavy hearts and asking for your urgent support for our dear father, Barry Shea. Many of you know him as a dedicated teacher, a loving father, or a kind soul who has touched countless lives.

Barry’s story is one of passion, dedication, and resilience. He pursued his love for chemistry at Tufts University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, and later earned his Master’s degree, driven by a deep desire to teach and share his knowledge.

His service led him to Robertsport, Liberia where he not only contributed to the community but found love and started a family with our mother, Jimma. When they met she had children of her own and from day one, Barry embraced each of us as his own, treating us with unwavering love and support. In 1990, during a devastating war, he bravely rescued his daughters, Jartu ( then one year old ) and Janey ( then four years old ), and brought them, along with our mother, to the United States, providing them with a safe haven and a loving home.

Barry has always been a pillar of strength for our family. He is a true protector and provider. After leaving full-time teaching, he worked tirelessly, driving a taxi for many years. Later he joined the ranks of millions of Americans working as an Uber and Lyft driver. As independent contractors, these drivers do not receive traditional employee benefits like health insurance or paid time off, leaving them vulnerable during times of hardship. For the past 20 years, Barry has found joy and purpose as a substitute teacher in Boston Public schools, continuing his passion for education.

Unfortunately Barry is now facing a difficult medical battle and is currently at the hospital. He was in a car accident and spent ten days in the ICU ( Intensive Care Unit ). He fractured his ribs on both sides, hurt his back and broke his knee. Because of the rib fractures, he had difficulty breathing and had to go on oxygen and on iv drip fluids since he could not eat or drink for fear of aspiration. He just had surgery on his knee. He’s experienced a lot of suffering and trauma from this accident. The phenomenal staff at Mass General Hospital are doing everything they can to help him recover and he has made progress over the last few days.

As a substitute, per diem teacher, he did not qualify for the same benefits as full-time staff, leaving him to shoulder the burden of medical bills. He does have health insurance which will cover some of the expenses but he needs financial assistance for excess bills and healthcare that is not covered by insurance, as well as to pay for the deductible. Compounding this financial strain is the fact that he is unable to work, leaving him without any income. The stress of these bills and loss of income is hindering his recovery, and we need your help now.

We are appealing to the entire Tufts University community- staff, faculty, alumni, and those associated with Tufts Medical Center- to rally around one of their own. Barry’s connection to Tuft’s runs deep, and we believe the spirit of community that defines the university can make a significant difference in his time of need.

We are also reaching out to all teachers and staff within Boston Public Schools. Barry has dedicated years serving the students of Boston, and we hope his colleagues and fellow educators will extend their support during this challenging time.

Furthermore, we are appealing to the vast network of Peace Corps volunteer and alumni. Barry’s commitment to service began with the Peace Corps, and we know that this community understands the dedication and sacrifice involved.

We are humbly asking for your financial assistance to help cover Barry’s medical expenses and provide him with the care he urgently needs. Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a tangible difference. He needs help now, to help him recover.

Immediate Medical Expenses (excess bills and healthcare not covered by insurance) :

-Hospitalization costs (Emergency room, ICU stay, surgeries, etc.)

-Medications and medical supplies

-Rehabilitation services (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)

Long-Term Medical Expenses:

-Ongoing medical care and follow-up appointments

-Home healthcare

-Assistive devices (wheelchair, crutches, etc.)

Loss of Income due to inability to work:

-Rent payments

-Utilities and other household expenses

-Cellphone and internet service

-Groceries

Transportation Costs:

-Medical transportation if needed

-Transportation to and from medical appointments

Here’s how you can help:

Barry has always been a man of service, he has done his best for his family, his community, and the world, and now he needs our help. Let us come together to support him in his time of need.

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

Sincerely,

The Shea Family