Dwight's Fire Recovery
Donation protected
Project Walk Kansas City, like the spinal cord injury community as a whole, is a relatively small facility. We are able forge strong relationships with our clients, and we wouldn't have it any other way. For it is our clients' determination, will to succeed, and never ending hope, that motivates us to continue to want to change the world's opinion on spinal cord injuries. Our clients mean the world to us, which is why we are asking for your support.
Every single perosn that has come through our doors, has a story. Each one of those stories has its share of hardships, which is inevitable when you are living with a spinal cord injury. However, they are also full of resolve. Dwight Bender is someone that exemplifies this notion as much as anyone. Dwight, and his family, are not ones to ask for help. In fact, they are typically looking out for others. But, after a long string of difficult times, and setback after setback, I think they could use our help.
Dwight suffered his spinal cord injury, in a car accident, in 2011. In 2015, a series of events led Dwight to find out he had another fracture in his spinal column, that was causing severe pain. It was unclear to his doctors when this fracture occured, or what might have caused it, but Dwight would have to undergo another back surgery to fix it. A second back surgery was enough for Dwight and his family to worry about, but it was the progress within his recovery that he was really concerned about. Another surgery would mean a substantial amount of time away from work, and therapy. After being sidelined for almost two months, Dwight was back at it! It was clear that Dwight's body had lost some of the progress, but he wasn't about to quit. Before long, Dwight was not only regaining the strenght he had lost, he was gaining more control over it. Once again, he was back on track and very excited with the progress. Little did he know, his faith, and personal strength would be tested, yet again. In January of 2016, on his way to Project Walk KC for another workout session, he was in another horrible car accident. He was the only persn in the vehicle, and thankfully so, because it is unliekly anyone else would have survive. By some miracle, Dwight survived the crash with only a few bumps and bruises. He was held in the hospital over night for observation, but was very lucky to not have sustained any major injuries. At this point, we were all left thinking to ourselves, surely he, and his family have had to endure enough. It is finally time for them to have a break and just focus on living. Unfortunately, that would not be the plan. On Thursday, April 28th, a fire tore through their garage, and destoryed everything in it. Dwight, his wife, their six children, and the family dog were all able to make it out of the house safely. The fire department was even able to put the fire out before it could spread throughout the rest of the house.
As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of people that have to deal with tragedy in their lives. Dwight's issues are no worse than, or more important than anyone else's. But, I think it is time they receive a little help. The two vans that were destroyed in the fire are a huge lifeline for the family. It is impossible to replace everything that was lost in the fire, but maybe we can raise enough money to help them buy a new van, so that Dwight can continue to drive to therapy, and the rest of the family can also get back to their normal way of life. The goal is to help Dwight and his family replace one of their two vans that were detroyed. But, anythign extra would be huge, as they have a lot of rebuilding to do.
Every single perosn that has come through our doors, has a story. Each one of those stories has its share of hardships, which is inevitable when you are living with a spinal cord injury. However, they are also full of resolve. Dwight Bender is someone that exemplifies this notion as much as anyone. Dwight, and his family, are not ones to ask for help. In fact, they are typically looking out for others. But, after a long string of difficult times, and setback after setback, I think they could use our help.
Dwight suffered his spinal cord injury, in a car accident, in 2011. In 2015, a series of events led Dwight to find out he had another fracture in his spinal column, that was causing severe pain. It was unclear to his doctors when this fracture occured, or what might have caused it, but Dwight would have to undergo another back surgery to fix it. A second back surgery was enough for Dwight and his family to worry about, but it was the progress within his recovery that he was really concerned about. Another surgery would mean a substantial amount of time away from work, and therapy. After being sidelined for almost two months, Dwight was back at it! It was clear that Dwight's body had lost some of the progress, but he wasn't about to quit. Before long, Dwight was not only regaining the strenght he had lost, he was gaining more control over it. Once again, he was back on track and very excited with the progress. Little did he know, his faith, and personal strength would be tested, yet again. In January of 2016, on his way to Project Walk KC for another workout session, he was in another horrible car accident. He was the only persn in the vehicle, and thankfully so, because it is unliekly anyone else would have survive. By some miracle, Dwight survived the crash with only a few bumps and bruises. He was held in the hospital over night for observation, but was very lucky to not have sustained any major injuries. At this point, we were all left thinking to ourselves, surely he, and his family have had to endure enough. It is finally time for them to have a break and just focus on living. Unfortunately, that would not be the plan. On Thursday, April 28th, a fire tore through their garage, and destoryed everything in it. Dwight, his wife, their six children, and the family dog were all able to make it out of the house safely. The fire department was even able to put the fire out before it could spread throughout the rest of the house.
As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of people that have to deal with tragedy in their lives. Dwight's issues are no worse than, or more important than anyone else's. But, I think it is time they receive a little help. The two vans that were destroyed in the fire are a huge lifeline for the family. It is impossible to replace everything that was lost in the fire, but maybe we can raise enough money to help them buy a new van, so that Dwight can continue to drive to therapy, and the rest of the family can also get back to their normal way of life. The goal is to help Dwight and his family replace one of their two vans that were detroyed. But, anythign extra would be huge, as they have a lot of rebuilding to do.
Organizer and beneficiary
Chris Smith
Organizer
Leawood, KS
Dwight Bender
Beneficiary
