Buffalo is not referred to as the city of good neighbours for no reason.
Buffalo, New York is referred to as the “city of good neighbours.” As a result of a blizzard that has dumped more than 50 inches of snow on them, the rest of the world is learning how they earned this moniker.
Sha’Kyra Aughtry’s emotional plea went viral on Facebook after she reluctantly posted it. Aughtry went live on the platform to explain that she heard someone yelling for assistance outside, prompting her boyfriend to investigate. It turned out to be Joey White, a 64-year-old man with a developmental disability, who was stuck in the snow. The boyfriend of Aughtry helped the man out of the snow and carried him into the house.
White was so frozen that a hair dryer was required to remove the ice from his pants, which were frozen to him. Additionally, the couple had to cut off his socks and remove the bags that were stuck to his hands. White’s situation was dire, and Aughtry, a mother of three who was preparing for Christmas, was desperate.
During the live video, the woman stated, “I’ve called the National Guard. I’ve called 911. I’ve called everybody – they just keep telling me I’m on a list. I don’t want to be on a list. I don’t care about nothing else. This man is not about to die over here.” It was obvious to her that he required immediate medical attention, but his condition was so dire that assistance never arrived. According to CNN, at least 31 people perished in the state’s recent winter storm.
Aughtry realized that no one would be coming to her aid soon, and the next day, after FaceTiming a doctor who confirmed White’s grave condition, she made a last-ditch effort. During the two days she was caring for Joey, she spent the holidays without her children until a friend walked them home. White had the mental capacity of a 10-year-old, according to Aughtry, but he remembered his sister’s and his employer’s phone numbers.
The good Samaritan informed White’s sister that he was safe at her house and that she was attempting to get him assistance. White, according to Sweet Buffalo, was attempting to return home from work when he became trapped in the storm. His sister attributes saving her brother’s life to Aughtry.
Upon observing the severity of the man’s frostbite during the live Facebook video, several individuals volunteered to accompany him to the hospital. Aughtry reported that during the video call, the doctor warned that he could lose his fingers or worse if treatment was not administered immediately. The frustration and desperation in her voice were palpable, and White innocently inquired if he was going to die at one point. Aughtry assured him that this would not occur.
Someone who had seen Aughtry’s video quickly arrived with a snow plow to clear a path, and others arrived with a pickup truck to transport White. White was not only physically but also mentally vulnerable, so his temporary caretaker insisted on accompanying him to the hospital to ensure his safety. Due to White’s condition, the men who came to help had to carry him into the hospital.
White received the necessary care and is currently being treated in the ICU at ECMC Hospital for frostbite of the fourth degree. And as a thank you for saving White’s life, North Park Theatre, where White works, established a Go Fund Me page for Aughtry that has received more than $100,000 in contributions. One was also prepared for White. Indeed, Buffalo is a city of good neighbours.