TEAM TIMLICK – The Durand Area Schools held a district-wide “Casual for a Cause Pajama Day” fundraiser Thursday, March 3 for the family of Waylon Timlick, a first-grader at Bertha Neal Elementary. Waylon had surgery Feb. 4 at the U of M Hospital in Ann Arbor. Two weeks after the surgery, the U of M medical team discovered that Waylon had experienced a significant complication and is paralyzed from the neck down. He is still in the hospital, as of press time, where he is healing and undergoing additional testing. His family, which also includes Durand High School student Sarah Timlick, has made an effort to be by Waylon’s side during his time in the hospital, which has created additional medical expenses and transportation costs.
Bertha Neal Principal Hattie Hanycz decided to hold the fundraiser, which was not initiated by the family, and each Bertha Neal student had the opportunity to support their fellow schoolmate. Additionally, Robert Kerr, Middle School and High School students also participated in the fundraiser, which raised $4,000 for the family.
Hanycz said she is “just looking out for one of her kids,” and would not have held the fundraiser without the blessing of the Timlick family. The money raised will help cover the family’s travel expenses as they continue to make the daily commute between Durand and Ann Arbor.
Those interested in donating to the family can do so at youcaring.com by searching for the “Help Support Waylon Timlick during his recovery” page.
Shown here is Waylon’s first-grade class, with Mrs. Hanycz and first-grade teachers, Susan Long and Shannon Odette. (Independent Photo/Graham Sturgeon)
