Fundraiser launched for Chelmsford stabbing victim

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A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for a woman who was partially paralyzed in a knife attack in Chelmsford last week.

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According to police, the incident occurred around 7:30 Friday morning at a residence on Errington Avenue.

“It was reported that a person had been stabbed and required immediate medical attention,” Greater Sudbury Police said in a statement. “Patrol officers arrived on scene within one minute of receiving the call and found a 30-year-old female with multiple stab wounds.”

According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by her cousin, Felicia Fahey, and her mother, Sue, the victim, Josee Rouleau, was home when “one of her neighbors tried to harass her and break into her apartment.” “When he finally opened the door, his neighbor brutally attacked him with a 15-centimeter knife, stabbed him multiple times and left him for dead.”

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Police said a woman known to the victim is believed to be responsible for the stabbing, which occurred during an argument between the two.

Police said the attacker “remained at the scene and was taken to hospital, although his injuries were minor.”

Jessie Brave, 33, was later charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and criminal mischief, according to police.

Luckily, Rouleau had a friend with her at the time of the attack, who “called 911 and tended to her wounds until paramedics arrived,” according to the GoFundMe page.

He is still in intensive care at Northern Health Sciences and “was stabbed six times, including once in the back of the head,” Fahey writes. “He is paralyzed in both legs and we are praying that these feelings will return eventually, but at this stage we have no idea.”

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His cousin said the neurologist was working closely with his family but was told it would be a long road to recovery. “There’s a ton of physics ahead of you and the path is unclear.”

In an update released Tuesday, Fahey said the family has a poor prognosis. “The blade of one of the stab wounds cut Josee’s spine, causing paralysis,” he said. “They question whether he will ever regain mobility or the ability to move his head.”

Rouleau “has three small dogs that she tries to take care of with family and friends while she is in the hospital, and since the attacker lives in her building, we are trying to find a new place for her that will be more accessible,” Fahey writes. “He currently lives on the third floor, which does not have an elevator, so mobility will be a big factor moving forward.”

According to the campaign, the money raised will go towards Rouleau’s medical expenses, including rehabilitation, and “personal care services or personal support devices he may need when he goes home.” “Please consider donating to this poor girl, she’s had a tough time and any help would be greatly appreciated.”

The campaign launched three days ago and had raised $825 toward its $10,000 goal as of early Wednesday afternoon.

To learn more and contribute to the campaign, visit: minikurl.com/bd5wbd23.

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