"He went into cardiac arrest before he went into the emergency room," Tim's mother, Pamela Drost, said.
After several days on a respirator, it was found Tim had lost the use of his arms and legs.
"He's been in rehab now for six months, trying to learn how to do the basic things we take for granted; walk, talk eat," said Drost.
Tim has been rehabbing at Mary Free Bed Hospital in Grand Rapids. Before he can return home, his family's home will have to be remodeled to accommodate his wheelchair. Friends and fellow students today presented Tim with more than $3,000 cash and a specialized wheelchair.
"It's just amazing. Everybody I talked to in Davison was interested in getting on board," Scott Cleven from American Disability Services said.
One company will install a device to move his wheelchair up and down the stairs in his home for free.
Jerry Freismuth is with Acord Stairlifts. "This is a very unfortunate circumstance for Timothy. It really, really pulled at Acorn's heart strings. To be able to help him out and make his house more accessible makes everybody feel good."
Tim's mother has been overwhelmed by the generosity. "We've been getting lots of support. It's been wonderful. We're so appreciative and grateful for everything."
Thank you everybody," Tim said.
Tim still must go through long days of painful physical therapy, but he'll be encouraged knowing he has the support of some many caring friends.
