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Officer J.R. Butcher is by far one of the best role models in Berkeley County.
As the Resource Officer for Martinsburg High School, Officer Butcher has positively
influenced the entire school through daily interaction with nearly every student.
Unfortunately, Officer Butcher is no longer seen roaming the halls of Martinsburg High School.
In October of 2007, a cancerous mole was discovered on Butcher's head which eventually
spread to his lymph nodes and brain. On May 9, 2008, doctors at Johns Hopkins
Hospital were able to remove 93 percent of the cancerous tumor, which was about
the size of a quarter. The remaining tumor is expected to be treated with
chemotherapy and radiation. After undergoing emergency brain surgery,
he was temporarily paralyzed on his right side and was told by his doctor that he may never
walk again. After a few weeks of physical therapy, Officer Butcher began to regain
some use of his right arm and leg. Then, on August 13, 2008, Butcher had two more
tumors removed from his brain. He was then placed on experimental treatments in hopes
of fighting off the melanoma. Unfortunately his battle has not ended. On Friday,
October 3, 2008, Butcher's doctors discovered a fourth tumor on his brain as well
as one on his small intestines and one on his pancreas.
Officer Butcher is not only a role model for over 1,700 students, he is a husband and a
father of two children, a 14 year old daughter and a 4 year old son.
Both, Officer Butcher and his wife, Natalie are unable to work during this time of hardship.
This is where you come in. We are asking that you and your business aide us in our efforts
to raise enough money to help alleviate the growing cost of medical expenses.
I have known Officer Butcher for only a year, but in that year he has proven to be
one of the most influential people in my life. Butcher has become my role model,
my friend, and my hero. Throughout his entire ordeal, I have never seen him without
a smile, nor have I ever heard him complain. He has shown me and my classmates that
life can be good, no matter what the circumstances. I have learned, from his example,
that I must control what affects my life and that negativity will not fix an
already negative problem.
Not only does his attitude towards life inspire me, but his service and dedication to
his job, his family, and the students at Martinsburg High School absolutely astounds me.
He has taught students that the police are not our enemies, but our friends.
With that said he has befriended almost every student in my school and left a
positive impact on their lives. Officer Butcher has earned our respect, our trust and our
love. He has brought our very diverse school together in innumerable ways, including our
efforts to raise money for him.
Throughout the summer, our small town of Martinsburg, WV poured their hearts and soles
into fundraising for Officer Butcher. With the help of firefighters, golf courses,
banks, concerts, benefit nights, high school students and local doctors, our
community, to my knowledge, has raised over $80,000. Regrettably, I feel that my town
has given everything they have.
I am not only asking, but I am pleading that you and your company look into your
hearts and help us support Officer Butcher. I would not be asking
if I felt our town could continue to aide him in his fight against cancer.
It is apparent that we can no longer do this on our own and we need your help.
Please know that every single dollar received goes directly to JR Butcher and his
family and it is not only appreciated by the Butcher's, it is appreciated by the
entire town of Martinsburg, WV.
To give a donation, all checks can be sent to:
Bank of Charles Town
9738 Tuscarora Pike
Martinsburg, WV 25403
Tammy Hefner is currently the representative for the JR Butcher fund
and she can be reached at the bank at (304) 262-0089.
Please make the checks payable to J.R. Butcher.
All donations are greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your
support and generosity.
Sincerely,
Lauren Taylor
Martinsburg High School
Class of 2009
More information concerning Officer JR Butcher or his condition may be
located at the following websites:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jrbutcher
http://www.martinsburgpd.org/
News articles concerning JR Butcher or community fundraisers may be
found at:
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/510748.html
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/507303.html
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/507978.html
http://www.journal-news.net/page/content.detail/id/508085.html
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