Today I’m asking for help for a dear friend, John Paul Kelley, who had a terrible pool accident a week ago that has left him paralyzed from the chest down. John Paul, nicknamed the Mayor where I’m from because he takes care of everyone and everyone loves him so much, has a wife and new baby girl named Paige at home. He mows the lawns of lots of people who can’t do it for themselves like elderly neighbors. He has helped take care of my family in little and big ways since my dad died when he and my brother were just teenagers (getting a bird out of the house for us, mowing our yard, getting something out of our dog’s mouth when the rest of us were afraid to, and so many other things!) He’s my brother’s best friend in the world. He’s probably the nicest person out there, and he needs support now. Due to astronomical medical expenses (even after insurance) his friends and family are fundraising to help support John Paul and his wife. JP has a long road ahead, but there is hope. He needs to be transferred to a rehabilitation facility hundreds of miles away from his wife and baby for at least 2 months, maybe more if we can raise the money to help pay for what insurance won’t. He is obviously unable to work, and his wife has been on maternity leave from her job and now her ability to return to work is indefinite as well. A fundraising website has been set up to help raise funds to support John Paul and his family. I’m asking everyone I know, and that means all of you, to donate if you can, whatever you can. I know that you might not know JP personally, but let me tell you that if anyone was deserving of thoughts, prayers, and donations from strangers, it is this guy. He’s the absolute best. And he has a lot of people depending on him to get better. If you could find it in your heart to donate $1, $10, $100, whatever you have and can, I would be so very grateful. If you can’t donate financially, please leave a note of support below and I will send them on to JP. And please send him and his family your thoughts, prayers, positive energy, virtual hugs, or whatever it is you do in times like these. And if you could share this on your social media pages I would so appreciate it. You can send financial support by donating here.
And just to personalize JP for you a little bit, I wanted to share this, a little video from my brother’s wedding a couple of months ago, where John Paul acted as best man, super friend, rapper, and entertainer of Charlie. Love to John Paul.
John Paul and Charlie and Biggie Smalls from Chandra Fredrick on Vimeo.
So sorry to hear about John’s accident, he sounds like a wonderful person. At least he has friends like you to help him through! We have made a donation and best of luck to John in his recovery x
Thank you Amy! Means SO much! xx
Donation made. Love the video of him singing and dancing with Charlie. Charlie is so relaxed in his arms, I thought for a minute he was asleep.
John Paul went too school with my brother pj jones , I’m
Sorry too hear of John Paul’s accident I sure will be praying
For speedy recovery god bless
I am just heartbroken to hear about John Paul ! My thoughts and prayers are with him and the family
Las peores cosas le pasan a las mejores personas porque son ellos quienes tienen el carácter para afrontarlas. Mucha Fuerza, Fortaleza y Fé para John y toda su familia. Estarán en mis oraciones y que Dios nuestro señor los bendiga y los acompañe siempre.
Abrazos sinceros!!!
I’m so sorry to hear about this happening to such a wonderful guy…. Always been the most thoughtful person to everyone and such a selfless person!! Praying for a speedy recovery and you and your family will remain in my prayers! Best of luck buddy!!
Just saw this on Facebook. You’re in our thoughts and prayers, John Paul. We love you and please let us know if you need anything.
John Paul, know that you have tons of prayers and get well wishes coming from a lot of people and ME! The Faith,hope and love that surrounds you from family and friends will flood you with strength to heal in coming weeks.
Get well real soon!
I’m here if you need anything in the world.
Keep smiling because you are a great guy!
Hello my husband tony stonecipher works at freeman heating and cooling and he did work for the kelleys he told me about this tragic accident and it breaks my heart to pieces….I would like to get ahold of Jessica and let her know that I live in crown city with a 5 year old daughter and if she would need a babysitter how ever long I would happily do that for free anytime and also if theres anything else she would need I would help out any way I could I tried to find her on fb but couldn’t please get this to her….my name is Rachel Stonecipher 740-256-1305
John Paul please know that we are praying for you and your family.
you should use a fundraising website for this. It would make it easier on friends and family to donate!
Try this.
https://www.youcaring.com/
If I had the extra cash i’d love to help but we live paycheck to paycheck. I just came off maturity leave myself. We will be praying for them though!
Thanks Cyndee, but that is the fundraising website a family friend choose to set up. youcaring is a great one as well. And I understand living paycheck to paycheck and having a little one, but even $1 helps! But your prayers and thoughts are very appreciated. Thank you.
This is such a great bio of John Paul! I’m running the 5K & donating for him & Jessica. We love JP. We met him thur my cousin Ashley Floyd, parents Jeff, & Jackie Floyd I love John Paul as much as everyone else. He truly is one of the nicest guys I know. We are praying for strength, positive thoughts, & speedy recovery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very sorry to hear about this. Thank you for sharing his story and providing the donation link.
John Paul, my prayers are with you and your family as you recover from your accident. I will continue to pray for your progress as we know that our Lord takes care of our every need.
Post account where checks can be mailed! Don’t do anything on line! However would like to help. God be with him and his wife!#
Donations can also be made to any 5/3 Bank to Jessica Kelley (JP’s wife). Lots of people like to donate online so please don’t discourage them from doing so just because you don’t like to. It is a very safe and secure way to help.
I have been thinking, praying, and crying for him and his family since I found out! His mother-in-law is my son’s daycare teacher and told me Monday morning! I cried with her snd i know his family is crushed! He is one of the nicest people you would ever meet! I’m glad this fund has been set up! I told my husband I was going to do it since I found out the unreal amount it was going to cost! His laugh is infectious and I’m praying! This is great you did this! I will go on there and help out how I can!
Thanks Kelly! I didn’t set up the fundraising website myself (I wanted to but someone else took care of it) but I did want to use the tools I have to spread the word. Thanks for the support for JP – he’s the best!
Hey Chandra and all you see this !! I actually got to see John Paul from the hallway Sunday. I graduated from High School with his mom & Randy graduated with his Dad. It’s a tragic accident that not many can pull through with the same spirits JPK will. I’ve given & I will continue to support this sweet lil family. Our Fairland HS website told of his accident and I know his home church Rome Church of Christ plus you and all others are getting the word out this new family of 3 are gonna need support longer than the physical rehab he’s getting. Pray for them all that see, that it’s going to be a long road, but they won’t be alone❤
Known this Precious young man since he was “Little. Always “loud and proud”…and that’s what you love about him…along with his HUGE WONDERFUL HEART!!! Not SURE why this has happened but I know God has an AMAZING plan for John….Many hugs and prayers to a “ONE OF A KIND” GUY!!!
John Paul and his family are lifelong friends – precious family! Thank you, sweet Chandra, for sharing his story and for encouraging all of us to support JP financially as well as other ways. “A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17 Beckett and Alex are in Atlanta and keep us updated on his progress! I am glad they are close by to hopefully lend a helping hand and encouraging word. All Gues are behind JP all the way and our prayers are with the entire family. Love to you, Chandra, and many thanks! Philippians 4:13!!!!!