The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE DARK clouds are clearing and Klarence Butler’s future is once again looking promising now that the young Bahamian is recovering from a life-threatening ordeal.

A little over two months ago, his relatives and friends feared for his life after he was involved in a car accident.

However, according to family members, “miracles have been taking place” every step of the way since he was first admitted to hospital. 

And while the road ahead is still a long and challenging one, Klarence’s family is determined to fight for the full restoration of his health.

The Butler family’s ordeal began two months ago when Klarence, an employee with Bahamas Ferries, was involved in an accident in the early morning hours of May 9. While at a traffic light on Collins Avenue, Klarence was hit by another vehicle. His car then hit a pole. According to his sister, Kendowlyn Brown, Klarence’s car was unrecognisable after the impact.

She said the initial news of the accident came as a complete shock to their family and left them in a state of despair.

“When we first heard about my brother’s accident me and my family could not believe it. We did not know what to think our how to feel. We were just hurt and troubled. When we saw his vehicle we did not understand how he survived, but he did, all thanks to God,” she told Tribune Health.

Klarence sustained numerous injuries as a result of the accident, including damage to his lungs, brain and lower body. Since then, he has undergone surgery to correct the problems.

“He has progressed from then to now. Initially, he was on a breathing machine and now he is no longer on the machine. He is also to the point where he is starting to do some rehab and some physiotherapy. But there is not any facilities here in the Bahamas available for him to get the type of physiotherapy that he needs to get him up and walking again. So we are actually looking at some facilities in United States, so that he can get the kind of therapy he needs,” Kendowlyn said.

“As far as the accident is concerned, he does not have any recollection of the accident at the moment. He still recognises his family and friends but he is still a bit slightly confused because of some brain swelling and bruising that he sustained in the accident.”

Klarence is currently on the male orthopaedic ward at the Princess Margaret Hospital and is progressing at a rate that continues to impress his doctors.

“He is doing very well and he is continuing to wow the doctors. They are surprised how far he has come for someone who has been in such an almost fatal accident. If you look at the damage sustained to the car you will wonder how he is still alive. They are working with him on daily basis to get him back to where he was. He does need some speech therapy and physiotherapy,” Kendowlyn said.

Over the past few weeks, the Butler family has hosted several steak-outs to raise funds that will go towards covering Klarence’s mounting medical expenses. They are appealing to the wider public to lend their support in any way they can.

The Butlers are also thankful to everyone who assisted financially, gave of their time or even just a word of encouragement.

“I am grateful to everyone who assisted. Even if persons are not able to give any donations, I just want them to present my brother to the Lord in prayer and pray for complete healing and wholeness,” Kendowlyn said.

“I am most thankful to God, because I knew it was only because of him that my brother is still alive today. I currently live in Orlando and I was here on the first flight when I heard what happened. But my family and I have been optimistic about his recovery. He is a fighter, and from day one we have been telling him to keep holding on.”

“This is just going to be his biggest testimony, and lives are going to be changed.”

For Klarence, who has a passion, boats, water, basketball, nothing supersedes the love and adoration he has for his friends and family.

Persons interested in donating to Klarence’s medical fund can contact Theresa Butler at 324-8476 or 455-8035.