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Friends of a helping soul appeal for generosity

With his 3-year-old son in critical condition after being hit by a car, several groups have joined to help Richard Fraze with increasing bills.

By NICOLE JOHNSON
Published December 31, 2005

	[Photo courtesy of Fraze Family]
	The friends, family and co-workers of James Fraze's parents are raising money for the medical expenses of the 3-year-old's treatment at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa. TO HELP Donations to help the family of James Fraze can be made to First State Bank at 7101 Park St. N, Seminole, FL 33777, care of Richard E. Fraze.

As a tow truck driver, Richard Fraze has seen the aftermath of many accidents and, colleagues say, has always been ready to help those in need.

"He doesn't have much, but he'll give you anything he's got," said Rick Shepard, who works with Fraze at ABC Towing and Recovery in Clearwater.

Now colleagues are trying to help Fraze, 34, in a time of need. On Christmas Day, his 3-year-old son, James, was hit by a car in North Pinellas and has remained in critical condition since.

ABC Towing and Leverock's Towing and Transport are working with the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida to raise money for James' medical expenses. A trust fund for the family has been established at First State Bank in Seminole.

"He always had his kids with him every chance he could," said Pamela Leverock, owner of Leverock's Towing where Fraze worked prior to ABC. "James is a beautiful little child."

Fraze and Deborah Durbin, James' parents, have declined interview requests since the accident, staying at James' side, but did release a statement Friday through St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa.

"We are overcome with the amount of support we have received from our friends, family and the community," they said.

"James' condition is still critical, and he has not yet made the progress we expected by now," they added. "But we remain hopeful, and know that the team at St. Joseph's Children's are doing everything possible to care for him. We are asking for continued prayers for James' recovery, as well as respect for our privacy during this difficult time."

Richard Fraze, who lives in Pinellas Park, has driven tow trucks for the past 15 years, Shepard said.

In October, he broke his ankle on the job. He came back after a week and started working again, Shepard said. After running into financial woes, Fraze had to cancel his health insurance, Shepard said.

On Christmas Day, James was visiting the mother of his father's girlfriend at 2261 Curlew Road just west of U.S. 19. Fraze left the home and walked toward his truck parked across the street. He was unaware that his son was following behind him.

The boy was hit by a car driven by Sandra V. Bertola, 65, of Oldsmar and was flown to St. Joseph's.

Deputies have said Bertola had no time to avoid hitting James because he stepped into the street in front of her car. Bertola, a nursing assistant, immediately began aiding the child, deputies said.

Authorities do not anticipate filing charges against Bertola, sheriff's spokesman Mac McMullen said.

Times staff writer Richard Danielson contributed to this report. Nicole Johnson can be reached at njohnson@sptimes.com or 727 445-4162.

Donations to help the family of James Fraze can be made to First State Bank at 7101 Park St. N, Seminole, FL 33777, care of Richard E. Fraze.

[Last modified December 31, 2005, 01:15:01]