WEST MILFORD — Neighbors and friends in West Milford have always rallied around each other in times of need. A 21st-century version of that is happening right now for Nigel Turner, a respected home inspector and beloved resident of the Kitchell Lake community. Through a growing trend called crowdfunding, Turner’s friends are raising funds to bring him home after a suffering a serious head injury in California over the holidays.
Turner slipped on ice while on a vacation hike in Yosemite National Park with his girlfriend, Amy Becker, on Dec. 29, 2014. The resulting brain injury caused him to lose speech, memory and the use of his right side. He was hospitalized for three weeks at Stanford University Hospital in Palo Alto, Cal., then was moved to Santa Clara Valley Rehabilitation Center in San Jose on Jan. 18. He is making significant progress with language and speech, according to Becker, and doctors are confident that with continued, extensive rehabilitation, Turner will also recover mobility.
Becker explained that Turner seemed fine after taking a fall on ice at Yosemite. The couple headed back to San Francisco that afternoon but one hour into their ride, Turner complained of a severe headache. Two hours in, he couldn't feel his right hand.
"It was tingling," said Becker, who wanted to take him to a hospital. But Turner said he was okay.
Three hours into the ride, his entire right side was paralyzed. They went to the nearest hospital, San Ramon Medical Center, where they found Turner had a massive bleed on the right side of his brain. He was moved to Stanford University Hospital and then to rehab.
"We weren't rock climbing," said Becker of the freak accident. "We were just hiking."
Becker and Turner's adult children have been taking turns making the weekly trek to the west coast to support him on the weekends. But during the week, he is alone at the rehabilitation center. Research shows that state of mind has a huge impact on recovery and daily visits from family and friends would help his recovery significantly.
"Nigel needs to be closer to his loved ones back in New Jersey – hopefully at Kessler Rehabilitation Institute in West Orange," Becker said.
Raising funds
And this is where Turner’s friends and colleagues are making a difference. The fund raising campaign was developed by three real estate agents who work closely with Turner and his company, Total Home Inspection Services: Robin Seidon, Susan Horowitz and Leslie Kunkin of Keller-Williams NJ Metro Group in Montclair.
“The incredible response shows just how much Nigel is loved and missed by his many, many friends and colleagues," said Seidon, the fundraiser’s team captain. "The warm wishes expressed by donors on the GiveForward website say it all!”
They have so far raised $16,715 through 143 donations since the campaign launched on Jan. 27, 2015. The funds will be used for the medical transport he needs to get back home, and to make his house wheelchair accessible when he gets back.
Becker said they will need even more to achieve the goal and she asked that friends and neighbors go to www.GiveForward.com to help with the cause.
"The Kitchell Lake community is amazing," Becker said. "The neighbors are taking care of his house. They are like one big family."
And she is hoping Turner rejoins that close-knit family soon.