If you prefer to send a check, please email [email protected] for further instructions on where to send. JD Martz’s spinal cord injury does not define him. Prior to experiencing this life-changing accident, he was a successful creative director, producing commercials and films in Los Angeles. Although he has been forced to put his career on hold for now, he already has overcome extreme odds by learning to breathe and speak independently, and he is committed to what he calls “a recovery mindset.” He remains a positive source of strength and inspiration to his family, friends and all those who have come in contact with him.

One such friend is JD’s college roommate, Paul O’Neil, an Essex-based builder who works with his father, general contractor Jim O’Neil of O’Neil Fine Builders. Paul and JD met 10 years when the two were Beverly and Manchester-Essex high school students heading off to the University of Vermont. The father and son builders have offered to renovate a home in Danvers, MA, for JD and his devoted girlfriend, Caitriona Daly (also a UVM grad) and their loyal dog Taro. JD and Caitriona rely on a team of family, friends and home aides to prepare JD for his daily routine. This includes traveling to Canton, MA, four days each week for his rigorous rehab sessions, as well as Caitriona’s daily commute to her job in Cambridge, MA.

In addition to his grueling physical rehab schedule, JD is committed to staying involved with his previous career, and he uses assistive technology glasses and a bite click device to edit film and video. JD and Caitriona also have begun working on a yet-to-be-released Podcast about living with a spinal cord injury.

In light of the couple’s limited resources, Caitriona’s parents have purchased the home and offered to rent it to the couple. The house must be renovated to make it wheelchair accessible, and the O’Neils have already begun the process.

The hope is to defray the costs of construction through monetary donations and the in-kind contributions by local contractors and suppliers. Current contributors include New England Design Works of Manchester and Noble Electricians of Gloucester.

Work planned includes a complete bathroom, kitchen and laundry room remodel. The team hopes to raise money for cabinets, flooring, appliances, lighting, HVAC, countertops, plumbing fixtures as well as a new patio and fire pit in the backyard. Any funds raised above and beyond the renovation goal will support JD’s rehabilitation. 

*Please note (in the special instructions section of PayPal) if your donation is intended for the home renovation or for JD's rehab therapies.*

Raised so far for Home Renovation: $16,072.41

last updated: April 8, 2019

If you prefer to send a check please email [email protected] for further instructions.