Michael “Skyler” Twitchell, a 2005 West Valley graduate, is a victim of a violent crime that was committed in Fairbanks on December 27, 2008. He is currently in Providence Hospital in Anchorage, awaiting transport to University of Washington Medical Center. As the result of a gunshot wound, Skyler is a C-6 quadriplegic and requires extensive rehabilitation. We are joining with friends of Hollis, Pam, Olin, Ryan and Skyler Twitchell, to help raise funds for Skyler’s uninsured medical expenses and rehabilitation.

How can you help? The quickest, easiest and most efficient way to help Skyler is with a financial donation. A fundraising campaign has been established in Skyler’s honor with the HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. In 2000, HelpHOPELive began working with those who had suffered catastrophic injuries such as Skyler’s. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive

Note in memo section:
In honor of Michael “Skyler” Twitchell

Please mail to:
HelpHOPELive

Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087

To make a credit card contribution, please call 800-642-8399 or click “Donate Now” above.

Employees of the University of Alaska are encouraged to donate leave time to Pam Twitchell. Both Pam and Hollis will travel to Seattle with Skyler for an indefinite period of time. Pam is currently on family leave from her job at the University. Hollis has considerable leave time accrued and is working with his employer, US Fish and Wildlife Service, to enable him to be with Skyler during the rehabilitation process.

It is impossible for us to imagine how dramatically the lives of the entire Twitchell family have been changed by one act of violence in our city. Fortunately, we live in a generous community, in a state with a long tradition of helping our neighbors. If you can offer assistance to the committee, please contact us at the addresses listed below. Your support and prayers at this time of need will help this family through the most difficult time.

Thank you,

Dalonna Cooper – [email protected]
Kristin Machacek – [email protected]
Judy Binkley – [email protected]
Debbie Gunderson – [email protected]
Sandy Weaver – [email protected]
Eileen Levison – [email protected]