Red tape has friends and family of a severely injured Vernon motorcyclist raising green.
Jake Suttling was on his way to Lumby on Mother’s Day, May 14, to visit his mom, Gen Acton, when his motorcycle was involved in a crash on Highway 6. Since the incident, Suttling’s support groups have been fundraising to help.
Acton said an ICBC rule change a couple of years ago where victims of motor vehicle accidents are no longer able to claim for pain and suffering is also a big part of the fundraising.
“I can understand the changes needed for the $20,000 fender bender claims that were driving up ICBC premiums, but under this new system, there is no difference between any injury, whether it’s minor or life threatening or life altering,” said Acton. “At this point we don’t know how much care Jake will need when he comes home, what we do know is that ICBC, by their own definition, are last to pay after we have exhausted all other means.”
Suttling remains in the hospital having sustained critical injuries to both legs, pelvis, internal organs and wrists and requires reconstructive dental work.
He needs two-person lift transfers to allow him wheelchair/commode access.
“Jake is basically broken from the waist down,” said Acton. “It’s a pure miracle that he survived this accident.”
Acton said she’s keeping the fundraising campaign going to “not only support Jake, but to try and prevent any other loved one getting the call I received on Mother’s Day:
“Was your son coming to see you in Lumby? He’s been in an accident.”
Anyone wanting to support Suttling’s Road to Recovery can:
1. Contribute to a GoFundMe campaign which, as of Monday, June 19, had raised $13,520 toward a goal of $35,000;
2. Cash donations c/o Kevin Acton; Bloom Wellness Centre (Lumby), Gen Acton; 250-938-3722; Acton Bespoke Counselling;
3. Cans and bottles are being accepted under Jake’s name at the Lumby Bottle Depot, Chasers Bottle Depot and Interior Bottle Depot;
4. Motorcycle Awareness swag is available from Gen Acton; Acton Bespoke Counselling;
5. Save the date: Sept. 30 - Motorcycle Awareness Rally, barbecue, music, silent auction at Camo Country Weddings (Lumby); the campaign committee are looking for silent auction items and sponsors. Beneficiary Jake Suttling.
READ MORE: ‘Working to save his legs:’ Vernon man in need of support after motorcycle crash
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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