James Hyland has spent decades standing with the people of Rock Hill and York County. Today, he needs all of us to stand with him. His family is walking a difficult road, one they never expected, and they are asking for help as he fights to regain his strength and his independence.
On August 21, James suffered a minor stroke that went misdiagnosed. The following day he was cleared for surgery to address nerve pressure in his neck. During that procedure he suffered a massive stroke. The physician in the ICU later confirmed to the family that the initial stroke on August 21 should have prevented him from undergoing surgery at all.
That massive stroke changed everything. It left James paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. Since then he has spent every day fighting to reclaim pieces of his life. He has learned to speak again. He continues working to walk, to strengthen his right arm, and to push through the many setbacks that come with catastrophic injury. He has been in acute and subacute rehabilitation since September 1 and has faced emergency room visits and infections during his recovery. He is currently hospitalized in Rock Hill and will soon be transferred to another subacute facility to continue rebuilding his strength.
James is a humble man. Anyone who knows him understands why his family is stepping forward on his behalf. To the people of Rock Hill and York County, he has always been a steady presence. His life has been defined by service. He served as a Rock Hill Police Officer for twenty two years. He became a charter member of the York County Fraternal Order of Police. He volunteered throughout the community and worked with Catholic Charities through the Diocese of Charleston. He served as an ordained deacon at St. Anne Catholic Church and a charter member of the St. Anne Knights of Columbus. He served as a D.A.R.E. Officer in Rock Hill Schools during the 1990s. He worked as a Law Enforcement Chaplain for multiple agencies. He served as a Constable with the York County Sheriff’s Office. His commitment to others has been the constant thread in every chapter of his life.
His daughters, Angie, Mandy, and Ashley, are now carrying that spirit of service forward as they work to help their parents face what comes next. Medicare will not cover all of his medical costs. His rehabilitation and ongoing therapies will be extensive. Once he is able to return home, Debbie will need additional support as she becomes his primary caregiver.
The family is raising funds to help cover:
- Ongoing and future medical bills
- Continued physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Essential expenses that will allow Debbie to care for him safely at home
They are asking for donations, for shares of the fundraiser, and for prayers, visits, cards, and words of encouragement. James Hyland has carried a lifetime of community service with quiet humility. Now his family is asking the community he served to help carry him.
The South Carolina Fraternal Order of Police stands with the Hyland family during this difficult time. We know what James has given to his community, to our profession, and to countless individuals who have relied on his compassion and strength. This is our opportunity to give something back to him.
If you would like to support his recovery, please consider donating here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-james-hylands-stroke-recovery-journey
