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Thousands Raised to Help Va. Tech Survivor

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Denise James
More: Bio, 6abc.com News Team

June 24, 2007 (WPVI) -- A young Cherry Hill man, a survivor of April's Virginia Tech massacre, received a lot of support from friends and family members on Sunday.

Folks gathered at Swanky Bubbles in Cherry Hill to attend a $30 benefit brunch for Sean McQuade.

The 22-year-old Virginia Tech senior from Mullica Hill, New Jersey was critically injured during the April 16th massacre. The gunman shot Sean in the face, shattering his jaw.

His neighbor, Joan Frankowski, hosted this fundraiser at her husband's restaurant and champagne bar to help Sean's family.

"People forget. We forget. Everybody goes back to their lives and the family is left with the aftermath of all that medical," said organizer Joan Frankowski.

Donated baskets of everything from flowers and specialty coffees to skin care products and Tupperware were raffled off. An autographed Bon Jovi guitar was donated for auction. Sean's family is grateful for the support.

"Out of the worst of human kind we see the best off human kind come forth. It touches you as a person," said his step-mom Lisa McQuade.

"It's humanity at its best. Through tragedy we found out the goodness in people," said his dad, Ralph McQuade.

Instead of launching his career as an insurance statistician, the warm and intelligent young man is working hard to rehabilitate his body. Family supporters hope their dollars, prayers and intentions will help in some way.

"I'm hoping that this would help him be strong. We're letting him know we're always there behind him to support him," said Maria Dy of Mullica Hill.

Eight nerves were severed in the base of Sean's skull, paralyzing the right side of his face. Surgeons plan to replace the nerves with one from his leg. Through it all, Sean's dad said he has been a trooper.

"He's never said why me or why is this happening. He just pushes ahead and says this is what I've got to do and goes straight ahead," said McQuade.

Doctors said Sean could regain 95% of his physical ability. Supporters hope they're right. They raised $10,000 to help pay for those medical bills.

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