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Any help for Mario would be greatly appreciated


Aloha everyone,

Several friends have suggested that I start a GoFundMe page to help with household and medical bills while I’m healing from my injuries. Although I did have medical insurance, my portion I have to pay is considerable.

For those of you that don’t know what happened, I will explain. I went cliff diving at Laie point on Sunday 11/25. The cliff was about 35’ and not only did I time the wave wrong I also dove deep instead of shallow. I dove square into a rock that was approximately 6’-8’ below the surface. Fortunately I was not knocked unconscious or have a concussion, brain swelling, or any traumatic brain injury. What did happen was the impact compressed my spine fracturing my C2,C4,C5,C7 and T6. I was instantly paralyzed from my shoulders to my waist and was barely able to keep my head above water by kicking my feet. Fortunately i was able to shake off some of the paralysis and doggie paddle to the rock I needed to get up on to get out. The ocean swept me up on the rock where some guys helped me get up so I could climb to the top of the cliff. I was then rushed to Kahuku clinic. I was very lucky. If any of the number of factors that contributed to my survival had been any different I wouldn’t be here. Thank you Angels. 

I was in the hospital for 5 days and had spinal surgery on the 3rd day. They put a screw in my C2(odontal fracture pictured). I’m currently healing pretty well and am working on weaning myself off of the pain meds faster than recommended. The pain goes back and forth but has become manageable most of the time. They have me in a full neck and back brace until my fractures mend. The good news is I have regained full use of my arms and for the most part feel pretty good all things considered. The doctors told me I will be unable to work for 6-12 weeks. I’m really hoping it will be closer to 6. Regardless of how long I am keeping a positive attitude and using this time to work on myself. I really believe that my current circumstance has less to do with the accident itself and more to do with the lessons I have learned and am continuing to learn because of it. I’ve been given a chance to reassess where I am in life, build myself and become a better man. I want to be my best self. The silver lining in this one is huge and I am extremely grateful for it. 

Many of you know I’m not the type to ask for help. I like to be the one who helps the people I care about. The people who have been here to help me scold me because I want to do everything myself when I should be taking it easy. Hopefully the fact that I’m asking will tell you something... I just need a little help. I understand that it’s the Holidays so anything you can contribute is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. 

With Love and Aloha,

Mario
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Donations 

  • Leif Hart
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Ma Rio
Organizer
Honolulu, HI

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