Since getting in a car accident in 2019, life for Highlands local Austin Baty’s father, Scott, has never been the same.
In an attempt to make his father’s life easier, Baty has started a GoFundMe, with $1,705 raised already.
“In 2019, my father was in a car accident in Cashiers,” Baty said. “He was rear ended when he was working and hasn’t been the same. His quality of life has been cut way down. He has pains in his back, I guess from whiplash. The pain goes to his head and sometimes he can barely open his eyes because it hurts to look around. It’s been a nightmare. He has had epidurals, nerve blocks in his back and nothing has worked for him.”
Baty describes his father as a jack of all trades.
“My dad has always been a real go-getter,” Baty said. “He is a big sweetheart of a guy. He has raised kids since he was 20 years old, including my brother, my sister, myself and my younger brother, who is 12 and was recently diagnosed with autism. My dad would give anybody the shirt off of his back. He has worked for everything he has.”
With his back problems, Baty said his father isn’t able to do any of the things he used to love.
“He used to love fishing, playing basketball, riding dirtbikes, hiking and just being active,” Baty said. “He was always having to cut the grass or work on the house.”
Now, with his father taking over the multi-generational family property in Highlands, Baty said he is worried they might lose the property.
“He hurts way too often to really do anything,” Baty said. “It kills him because he has always been the independent, do things yourself type of guy, but he’s trying to do what he can to make ends meet.”
Baty said he decided to start the GoFundMe because he said his dad has always been there for him no matter what.
“Even with this pain, he still comes through for me,” Baty said. “Just to see him struggle the way he has been financially and the burden he has, I want to do anything I can to help like he would do for me.”
So far, Baty said the feedback from the community has been overwhelming.
“I have heard nothing but positive things that people have said about my father,” Baty said. “All I ever hear is how good of a guy he has been. The community has just been great. They have pulled together and donated money, which is just baffling. It’s amazing to see the community come together like they have to help. It means the world.
One hundred percent of the proceeds from the GoFundMe would go towards necessities for Baty’s father.
To find more information or to donate, visit Scott Baty’s Emergency GoFundMe at gofundme.com.
- By Christopher Lugo