Builder Starts Fundraising Effort For Paralyzed Beverly Man

From O’Neil Fine Builders: O’Neil Fine Builders, an Essex-based general contractor, today announced a fundraising drive to support JD Martz, a 29-year-old Beverly man who suffered a life-threatening spinal cord injury last year while living in Los Angeles. Builder Jim O’Neil has begun construction this month on a home in Danvers, MA, that is being renovated for the wheelchair-bound man. In addition to public donations made to www.jdmartz.com, O’Neil hopes to defray the cost of the project by organizing in-kind donations from local sub-contractors and suppliers.

Martz injured his C3 and C4 vertebrae in August of 2017 while diving into a wave at Manhattan Beach, California, and remains paralyzed from the shoulders down. JD’s college roommate and Jim’s son, Paul O’Neil, who works with his father, brought the men together. JD and Paul met 10 years ago as Beverly and Manchester-Essex high school seniors heading off to study at the University of Vermont. “I’m doing this because of my son [Paul] and because JD is family,” said Jim O’Neil. “They have been through a lot and my goal is to give them a little more. We are counting on the local design and building community to give us an extra push.”

Having worked in Los Angeles as a creative director for films and commercials, Martz faces a long road to recovery and an adjustment to a new reality. He spent the first month after the accident fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit, eventually defying the odds by regaining his ability to speak and breathe freely on his own. Following a Medflight home in September of 2017, Martz spent time at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, eventually moving in with his parents and dedicating himself to rehabilitation and recovery.

“Spinal cord injuries are unique to each person,” said Martz. “There is uncertainty about what life will look like for me, but I am in a recovery mindset.” This positive outlook has inspired the O’Neils to renovate a 1,200-square-foot, one-story home on Cabot Street in Danvers, MA, for Martz and his girlfriend, Caitriona Daly (also a UVM graduate). In recognition of the couple’s limited resources, Daly’s parents have purchased the home and offered to rent it to the couple. The house must address Martz’s special needs and be renovated with an open floor plan to make it accessible for his electric wheelchair, which he operates with head.

Martz and Daly rely on a team of family, friends and home aides to prepare Martz for his daily routine. This includes traveling to Canton, MA, four days each week for his extensive rehab sessions, as well as Daly’s commute to her job in Cambridge, MA.

“A lot of planning goes into our days,” said Daly. “A new home will give us some independence and enable us to get back to the life we had before.” O’Neil hopes to solicit in-kind donations such as services, time and materials from area sub-contractors and suppliers. Those who have contributed already include New England Design Works of Manchester and Jerry 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, counter tops, 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.

Donations to support JD Martz’s home renovation and recovery fund can be made at www.jdmartz.com. Contractors and businesses wishing to get involved are asked to contact Jim O’Neil directly at jimoneil@live.com or 978-768-0029.

Photos submitted by Anna Boardman.