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GoFundMe for paralysed JvD teen surpasses $50K

-relatives set new goal of $150k as teen enters road to recovery with therapy
Doners from the Virgin Islands (VI) and around the world have raised over $50K to cover the medical bills of Jost van Dyke teen, Elijah Chinnery who suffered a broken vertebrate and paralysis as a result of a swimming incident at White Bay, Jost van Dyke on June 30, 2023. Photo: Facebook
With the surgery completed and therapy as the next step, a new GoFundMe target of $150,000 have been created to keep raising funds for his medical expenses. Photo: GoFundMe
With the surgery completed and therapy as the next step, a new GoFundMe target of $150,000 have been created to keep raising funds for his medical expenses. Photo: GoFundMe
WHITE BAY, Jost van Dyke, VI– Donors from the Virgin Islands and around the world have raised over $50,000.00 to cover the medical bills of Jost van Dyke teen Elijah Chinnery, who suffered a broken vertebrate and paralysis as a result of a swimming incident at White Bay, Jost van Dyke on June 30, 2023.

Family had turned to GoFundMe to fund the teen’s emergency medical surgery at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida which entailed removing fragmented bones from the neck and the insertions of a neck implant on Sunday, June 2, 2023.

Days after the surgery, family members shared that Elijah as in great spirits and was on his way to start therapy.

“He remains stable in ICU as his healthcare team work to stabilise his respiratory functions. He’s anxious to start therapy. We are very thankful and grateful for all of your prayers, thoughts, concerns and donations. Please continue to keep him and the family lifted in prayer and donate to his healthcare fund as able,” a family member shared in an update.  

So far, relatives have said the injury has resulted in paralysis and a 40/60 chance that Elijah may walk again.

New $150K target set 

With the surgery completed and therapy as the next step, a new GoFundMe target of $150,000 has been created to keep raising funds for Elijah's medical expenses. 

One donor on the GoFundMe platform pleaded with the public to support the cause.

“No parent should have to handle all of this alone or without help from their brothers and sisters. Peace, love, strength and many positive vibes and prayers of healing within Elijah's spine, body and soul.”

A social media post from JvD’s Foxy’s Bar said for those who may have known Elijah from Ivan's Stress-Free Bar on Jost van Dyke, he is the grandson of proprietor Ivan ‘Stressfree’ Chinnery.

Our News Centre will bring more details as they become available.

A link to the go-fund-me can be found here. 

15 Responses to “GoFundMe for paralysed JvD teen surpasses $50K”

  • good (07/07/2023, 11:30) Like (7) Dislike (19) Reply
    Praise God. JVD is a better society than Tortola.
    • @ good (07/07/2023, 13:41) Like (26) Dislike (1) Reply
      You really think all those funds came from JVD?

      Stop trying to cause division when the VI came together to help.
    • @good (07/07/2023, 17:28) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      Come on now, you should know that is not cool. You praise God then you flip to the negative. I don’t think God would like that. I live on Tortola and I am going to donate towards the young man’s medical expenses. Stop trying to start confusion.
    • Mel (08/07/2023, 10:32) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
      @good That was a nasty thing to say. I live on Tortola and donated.
  • Sarah (07/07/2023, 12:14) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Get well soon Elijah ..Im so sorry this happen to you...You are such a handsome lad.
  • NHI? (07/07/2023, 12:54) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Doesnt NHI cover kids 100%
    • @ NHI? (07/07/2023, 15:55) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I was thinking the same thing when I saw your post.
    • Stacy (07/07/2023, 16:26) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      NHI only covers 100% at Peebles. They cover about 80% for certain overseas care and that depends if the hospital is within their network. There are a lot of hidden costs for medical care overseas, transportation, lodging, etc.

      Prayers for the young man and his family.

  • one BVI (07/07/2023, 13:15) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
    Stop the divisive comments. I reside on Tola and plan on giving which I am sure many other Tolians will do, so please quite with the division and just continue to pray that the child gets all the help needed. Sincerely wish him well.
  • Reader (07/07/2023, 14:30) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Happy to hear that the initial goal has b
  • Reader (07/07/2023, 14:34) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Happy to hear that the initial goal has been surpassed. I pray that the young man continues to strive as the giving continues. I wish a special Blessing on all who gave and who will continue to give.
  • Jack-B-Quik (07/07/2023, 14:54) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    In the Name of Jesus Christ…as God asked the Prophet Elijah in the Book of First Kings - “shall these bones live?” Elijah, may every bone in your body be mended back, in the name of Jesus! That there be no sign of paralysis in your body, in Christ Jesus’ name! I decree and declare that yes, “your bones shall live!” In Jesus’ Name! Your name alone is nothing to be taken lightly. God bless you…and I WILL be donating to your cause.
  • CGB resident (07/07/2023, 16:06) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can someone give me his email. My nephew was also injured on a beach in Calif in 1995. He is a quadriplegic. But he overcame his injuries. He is now an Olympic gold winner tennis player. He can be a huge inspiration to this young man. He has won multiple gold silver bronze medals. He teaches wheelchair tennis. Google David Wagner. I would like to put my nephew in contact with this young man. David was also very young when he had his accident. Pleas send me his email info
  • wishing well (07/07/2023, 17:47) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thank the most High for sparing this youth life and making a way for his treatment and recovery. I pray that everything will work out for his good.

    When large funds are involved, people turn and then the focus shifts from the patient and his care to the money and issues around its many owners. I know of what I speak. Please do not be overshadowed by greed in the long run
  • vi (07/07/2023, 20:43) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    God is good get well young man


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