Help the Butler Family

Hi. My name is Melissa and I am fundraising for the Butler Family. James and Tara Butler have a beautiful family, raising their two sons in a loving and hardworking family. In the time that I have known them, I have only known them to be giving of themselves. When I approached them about setting up a Go Fund Me for them, they were extremely hesitant because they don't want to ask for help when others may need it. I hope that you will read their story, understand that these are difficult and scary circumstances, and consider helping them in any way that you can.

In April 2023, James suddenly became quite ill with a case of strep throat. While normally this would not be as severe, it did lead to a stay in the ICU until they could be sure that his breathing would stabilize. It was during this stay that it was determined that he had severely enlarged adenoids, taking up 90% of the space in the back of his throat. The doctors advised that they needed to be removed.

On June 15, James went in to have the simple procedure of having his adenoids removed. There was no reason to anticipate any complications from this routine procedure. James expected to be out of work for a couple of days of recovery. By June 18, James was in excruciating pain and was barely able to move his neck. After a visit to the ER, a return visit to his surgeon, and finally a specialist, James was told he had likely developed a rare condition called Grisel's Syndrome.

According to Wikipedia, Grisel's Syndrome is a non-traumatic subluxation of the atlanto-axial joint caused by inflammation of the adjacent tissues. This is a rare disease that usually affects children. Progressive throat and neck pain and neck stiffness can be followed by neurologic symptoms such as pain or numbness radiating to arms (radiculopathies). In extreme cases, the condition can lead to quadriplegia and even death from acute respiratory failure.

James is now in a neck brace and restricted from activities including driving and working at least until the end of July, possibly longer depending on his recovery and potential surgery. He is still waiting for his next surgeon's appointment to determine his next steps toward recovery. Unfortunately, while James is unable to work, he is also unable to earn his paycheck. This timing also coincides with the cut in pay that Tara will experience as a school staff member with reduced work hours throughout the summer. Tara, never afraid of hard work in order to support her family, is already seeking a second job to help make ends meet. Unfortunately, the part-time employment will not fully compensate for the loss of James' salary and they will continue to struggle to get through this emotionally and financially challenging time. Did I mention their two young boys and the fact that Tara is currently a student working to complete her degree? I honestly don't know how she will make it through these next few months aside from sheer grit, determination and the support of others.

As I stated before, James and Tara were highly resistant to allowing me to set this up for them but I truly believe this is a situation where help is needed. Please consider supporting these wonderful people in this time of uncertainty.