Skills USA organizes a relief fund to help a TJ family through a long healing process after a terrible accident.
Jeffrey Beal and his Father David.
On August 31, 2011 the Beal family within the TJ community faced a horrific situation when a house explosion sent a husband and father of two to the hospital with severe burns, fighting for his life. TJ’s SkillsUSA has created a fund to help raise money for the Beal family, designed to show support and condolences for the family.
David Beal, father of TJ Spartan Sophomore, was remodeling a house owned by his parents, painting the basement of the home with an oil-based paint when vapors from the paint caught fire from the gas burners of the water heater. The result was an explosion that ripped the house open and ignited Beal, burning 80 percent of his body. He made it out of the home onto the front yard where the firefighters found him. He was rushed to University Hospital where he was in critical condition and given a 5 to 10 percent chance of surviving.
Beal’s sons typically go to work with him on the home. Thankfully, however, that night the boys attended a church function instead.
After a series of surgeries, Beal remains in the Burn Center’s Intensive Care Unit where he will stay for three to four months. His medical bills from the accident are potentially insurmountable.
Beal is an avid cyclist, spending time with his sons riding; they have biked hundreds of miles together. He is known in the community to be a loving father and husband. The family regularly attends their neighborhood church, Celebration Community Church, which has also helped aid them throughout the accident.
The Beal family is a part of the TJ community as well as the CCTM family. The Beal Relief Fund was coordinated by SkillsUSA in order to assist a fellow family within the community through a long and challenging healing process.
The Beal Relief Fund will be accepting donations from November 5 through December 16, 2011. Tables will be set up in the front hall and Jars will be labeled for collection. Donations can also be accepted by SkillsUSA Advisor Jerry Esparza in Room 102 and by Derek Steffes in the treasure’s office. Checks are to be made payable to Thomas Jefferson High School, designated to the Beal Relief Fund.
Beal’s wife Elena Beal remains hopeful stating, “He is making great improvements and should be able to come home in December.”
To find out more about Beal and his latest condition visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidbeal
