Bryce Rafferty's Help Hope Live Birthday Fund

I  was a 20 year old student enjoying a semester long abroad program in Geneva, Switzerland, when my life changed instantaneously and forever.  It was August 30, 2009 when my host family’s son Damien and I decided to swim at a nearby beach on Lake Geneva.  The day as perfect.  It was 80°, sunny…the most beautiful place I had ever been with the Alps and Mont Blanc erupting out of the far side of that clear blue lake.  I had noticed a group of teenagers diving off a pier that was about 60 yards off the shore.  Having jumped off the end of the pier minutes before, I didn't think twice about diving a few feet to the other side of it with the other boys before heading back to shore.

The water was shallow and as I felt the water against my skin, I simultaneously also felt my head hit the bottom of the lake. I was paralyzed instantly.  I felt a kind of electric sensation that pulsed through my body and then shorted out.   What's more, I was face down on the surface of the lake due to being unable to flip my body over.  Luckily, Damien and his friends turned me at the last minute before I lost consciousness, and they took me to shore.  There, the reality set in: I sustained a C5/6 spinal cord injury, leaving me paralyzed chest down, and with limited arm movement and no dexterity.

That Sunday afternoon my life ended a chapter, and began another into uncharted waters.  Being paralyzed meant day to day changes and burdensome struggles that suggested an endless road of uncertainty.  The most simple tasks were now extremely difficult, if not impossible. However, I understood that I had two distinct choices: let the injury dictate my life, or fight to make the most of the many years ahead of me with my mind and vibrant spirit.    

Choosing the latter, I returned to Colorado College a year after the accident and graduated in 2012 with honors and a degree in International Political Economy. Thereafter, I moved to Denver, learned to live independently as possible, and tried various internships/job opportunities. It quickly became clear that this disability barred me from most forms of employment. I needed something to set me apart to kick-start a career, and after being a civil rights/disability advocate in Denver, I successfully gained admission to the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, where I just completed my 1L year. 

While I managed to obtain a scholarship for tuition to Law School, there remains substantial need for medical supplies, equipment, and therapies that are not covered by insurance, or that were covered by insurance and are no longer. Specifically, I'm in desperate need of funds for continuation of my physical therapy sessions twice a week at $76/hour, general medical supplies including supplements and day to day injury-specific items, a new set of $7,000 power-assist "e-motion" wheels to safely use my manual wheelchair, and a new travel-compatible lift and shower wheelchair.

I've always measured value and what's truly important by the strength of my relationships and experiences with the many amazing people in my life and otherwise connected to it. Unfortunately, my goals of having a career in law and gaining financial independence rely now on the monetary generosity of others to enable me to remain healthy and in possession of the tools and means through which I can continue along the ambitious path I've carved for myself. Please don't hesitate to contribute to my life needs, and know each dollar will go directly to HelpHopeLive, a non-profit fund specifically for third party medical expenses. In turn, those funds will give me the needed stability to continue rolling towards a life I never imagined was possible ten years ago. I genuinely look forward to taking on life's challenges day by day, and my goals are that much more clear and obtainable with every donation made in support of overcoming those challenges. 

Thank you so very much for your consideration, and I look forward to the road less traveled with your support.

Warmly,

Bryce Rafferty