A veteran reporter from San Francisco has opened up about his recent absence from broadcasting, citing a devastating family situation that required his attention.
James Fletcher, the anchor for KRON4 Morning News, shared on Thursday that his son, Colin, is now paralyzed from the waist down following a mysterious neurological crisis that landed him in the hospital earlier this month.
The family is struggling to understand how the 23-year-old became paralyzed, as doctors are still working diligently to find answers.
With each passing day, their concern grows that this troubling condition might become permanent.
“Every day that goes by without clarity tightens the time we have for recovery,” James expressed in an online post. “We’re caught in a race we never wanted, battling against time, striving for our son to regain his ability to walk, all while facing financial difficulties.”
James mentioned that Colin had been dealing with several health issues like Crohn’s disease and seizures for years, which had already placed a heavy financial burden on the family.
“Each crisis left a financial mark,” Fletcher wrote, describing how they’d managed bills through payment plans and credit. “After years of doing what we could, we’re left grappling with significant medical debt.”
In response, the family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses. As of Friday morning, they’d managed to raise nearly $10,000 out of a $55,000 goal. The funds will go toward settling past medical bills and obtaining necessary care and equipment for Colin to live without the use of his legs.
KRON4 expressed its support for James and his family, offering prayers for Colin’s recovery. “The KRON4 family stands with the James, Colin, and Fletcher families and hopes for Colin’s healing,” the network stated.
James has been with the station since 2002.
