Woman asks public to help family of Jay Cousins
A Scotchtown woman is appealing to the public for help with a fundraising campaign for Jean and Melvin Cousins of Scotchtown, who are by the side of their son Jay, 35, as he recovers at Regina General Hospital from a horrific motor-vehicle accident.
Laurie Carrigan, a close friend of Jean’s for 25 years, said she started the GoFundMe campaign to help raise money so Jay’s parents can stay by their son’s side and later bring him home.
She said Melvin and Jean gave their son their only vehicle so he could travel to Red Deer, Alta. to starting a new life.
“He was only six hours from his destination when they believe he fell asleep behind the wheel.”
Jay, who is suffering from multiple injuries, including a broken neck and crushed spine, is paralyzed from the chest down.
She said the family has suffered so much heartbreak, including recently losing their only other child Starlette Cousins-Thomas.
“Starlette died Feb. 26, at age 44 of Crohn’s disease. She battled it for almost 30 years.”
Carrigan said Melvin, 67, is on old age pension and Jean, 61, is on long-term disability, and they still have a mortgage on their house.
“I know they aren’t leaving Jay until he’s ready to come home, and that could be months.”
Carrigan said Jay will have to be airlifted back to Nova Scotia. His cousin, a paramedic in Edmonton estimates costs at $52,000 for the travel alone.
She said the family just received a bill for $500 for a chest brace.
To donate, visit http://www.gofundme.com/ywc5tw.
Carrigan also opened an account for the family accessible at any Royal Bank in Canada. She said people wishing to donate can take the information to the teller who can confirm it’s for Jay Cousins: transit number 01573, branch number 003 and account number 5029111. Carrigan is hoping the public will help.
“Jay is a person who loved the outdoors. He went to Alaska a couple years ago and backpacked by himself.
“He liked golf — he has so many friends — he’s amazing.”