Living Alone is Latest Challenge for Paralyzed Man

March 28, 1999
Source: The Times Herald
Author: Amy C.  Stohner

PLYMOUTH – Thirty-one-year-old George Butera has been waiting what seems like a lifetime to gain his independence.

He was halfway there at the age of 18, having just completed one semester of engineering courses at Temple University’s Ambler campus.  However, fate had other plans for Butera.

On June 21, 1986, the first day of summer, Butera and a group of friends took the day off of work and headed to Ocean City, N.J.

Captured by the allure of the ocean, Butera ran toward the water, dived headfirst into a wave and was forced to the bottom.

Butera does not remember hitting his head, which broke his neck between the third and fourth vertebrae and paralyzed him from the neck down.

“I remember realizing that I couldn’t move my body,” Butera recounted on his web page.  “I couldn’t feel anything either.  I knew that I was underwater, so I slowly opened my eyes to see nothing but the murky green of the New Jersey water.  All I felt was the motion of the waves bobbing me up and down.

“So many things were going on in my head…  when finally I saw a hand right next to me.  Someone saw me and was about to rescue me, but why wasn’t this person doing anything to help me? What was he waiting for? Then it hit me.  It was my own hand that I saw.  A hand that I couldn’t feel or use, like it wasn’t even mine.”

Following months of strenuous rehabilitation, Butera returned to school in September 1987, using new, involved methods to complete what had been simple tasks.

Prior the accident, Butera had been very athletic, having been a member of the swimming, soccer and lacrosse teams at Wissahickon High School before graduating in 1985.

After the accident, Butera set three goals for himself: finish college, get a job and get out on his own.  Two of the three goals have since been achieved.

And now Butera is about to embark on his toughest challenge yet – living on his own.

For most of his life, Butera has lived with his parents in their home.  In a few short months, Butera hopes to have his new home ready for him to move in.

“I welcome the new challenge,” said Butera.  “It is a little scary, but I am ready to be on by own.”

On his Web page, Butera has diagrams of his three-bedroom house, along with photos of every angle.  He’ll need help raising money for the renovations needed to make the house handicap-accessible.

Butera has worked in the computer department of Aetna U.S.  Healthcare in Blue Bell for the past 7 years.  He uses a mouthpiece that is attached to his wheelchair to move the computer mouse.

He has used his disability as a way to help others deal with similar problems.  To that end, Butera has created a Web page, which details his struggles and accomplishments and offers people information about disabilities.  He also visits schools to talk to students about his struggles and the importance of never giving up when facing obstacles.

Butera is known for his wit charm and humor.  On his Web page, he lists some humorous accounts and mishaps he has encountered since his accident.

“My family and friends have been so supportive through all of this,” said Butera.  “If I need a ride somewhere, my family of volunteers from the community are at my door.”

Throughout the interview, Butera was constantly smiling, even when he talked about the days following his tragic accident.

“I was very angry at the world after what happened to me,” recalled Butera.  “There were days when I did not want to leave the house, but then my friends would come over and drag me out.  Today, I try not to think about the limitations.  I try to think of a way around those limitations.”

Butera will live with a friend of his who will help him get ready for bed and do some light housework.

“Asking for help is the hardest thing,” said Butera.  “Sometimes I feel like I am bothering people, but I have to ask and put those feelings aside.”

Butera will have to wait until his house is ready for him to move in, and that will require a little help from his friends and the community.

Leading the fund-raising efforts is Wit Hammond, the overseer of’ the Friends of George Butera.

“I helped start this effort the day I found out about George’s accident,” said Hammond.  “Every bit helps.”