Never Lost A Step
Donation protected
(HIT BY A CAR WHILE AIDING SOME TEENS IN AN ACCIDENT) by Kevin Atherley.
I am a goal-oriented individual who has always strived for greatness in whatever I do. I am from Guyana, grew up in New York, and relocated to Maryland. In 2012, I welcomed my new born son, while juggling work, school and a social life; but on September 15th, 2012 my life changed forever. I stopped on the side of the road to help some teens that were involved in an accident. While trying to aid them in their moment of need I fell victim to a negligent driver. I questioned if I would ever get to hold my son again or have the chance to live out my dreams of finishing school and becoming the man my family expected me to be. The accident led to me losing my left leg below the knee and severely injuring my right leg. Since that night I have been in hospitals and rehab centers with doctors and nurses who tried to help me get my life back. Earlier this month I hopefully completed my last surgery to repair my right leg. So far, I have persevered and I remain determined not to let anything stop me from being amazing and doing what I love.
I am being trained to walk with a prosthetic leg three times a week in physical therapy. I attend two monthly amputee support groups and enjoy talking to new amputees and giving them hope. In the future, I would like to become a peer visitor through the Amputee Coalition of America. I plan to enroll back in college to earn a degree in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies with hopes to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Homeland Security. I do everything I can to prepare for a brighter future for my family and myself. I show my competitiveness in my everyday life.
Playing basketball has always brought happiness into my life. I played basketball throughout my childhood up to the accident. During my inpatient rehabilitation, I was introduced to adapted sports, including hand cycling and wheelchair basketball. Since returning home from the hospital I have been participating in local wheelchair basketball clinics and open gym nights. Basketball helps me to feel normal, stay in shape and gives me something to look forward to every week. From the moment I wake up I challenge myself to be better than I was the day before.
After almost a year of unemployment due to my accident I am now in a large amount of debts. I have exhausted all resources and any amount of monetary donation will help me regain independence. Funds will go towards a stable roof over my head, a dependable vehicle, living expenses, medicines, some medical bills and school costs. Having my own custom basketball wheelchair would help me improve my skills. Currently, I use program basketball chairs on a first come first serve basis. I do not always get the best fitting chair, but when I do it really helps my speed, chair handling, ball handling and shooting. I am hoping that all my practice will pay off and I'll make it on a local division III team so I can start playing more competitively. The past year have been my greatest challenge and I am determined to overcome them. I am motivated now more than ever before to fulfill my dreams, attain my goals and keep gaining knowledge. I appreciate any help that can be provided.
My PayPal info is [email redacted]
I am a goal-oriented individual who has always strived for greatness in whatever I do. I am from Guyana, grew up in New York, and relocated to Maryland. In 2012, I welcomed my new born son, while juggling work, school and a social life; but on September 15th, 2012 my life changed forever. I stopped on the side of the road to help some teens that were involved in an accident. While trying to aid them in their moment of need I fell victim to a negligent driver. I questioned if I would ever get to hold my son again or have the chance to live out my dreams of finishing school and becoming the man my family expected me to be. The accident led to me losing my left leg below the knee and severely injuring my right leg. Since that night I have been in hospitals and rehab centers with doctors and nurses who tried to help me get my life back. Earlier this month I hopefully completed my last surgery to repair my right leg. So far, I have persevered and I remain determined not to let anything stop me from being amazing and doing what I love.
I am being trained to walk with a prosthetic leg three times a week in physical therapy. I attend two monthly amputee support groups and enjoy talking to new amputees and giving them hope. In the future, I would like to become a peer visitor through the Amputee Coalition of America. I plan to enroll back in college to earn a degree in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies with hopes to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Homeland Security. I do everything I can to prepare for a brighter future for my family and myself. I show my competitiveness in my everyday life.
Playing basketball has always brought happiness into my life. I played basketball throughout my childhood up to the accident. During my inpatient rehabilitation, I was introduced to adapted sports, including hand cycling and wheelchair basketball. Since returning home from the hospital I have been participating in local wheelchair basketball clinics and open gym nights. Basketball helps me to feel normal, stay in shape and gives me something to look forward to every week. From the moment I wake up I challenge myself to be better than I was the day before.
After almost a year of unemployment due to my accident I am now in a large amount of debts. I have exhausted all resources and any amount of monetary donation will help me regain independence. Funds will go towards a stable roof over my head, a dependable vehicle, living expenses, medicines, some medical bills and school costs. Having my own custom basketball wheelchair would help me improve my skills. Currently, I use program basketball chairs on a first come first serve basis. I do not always get the best fitting chair, but when I do it really helps my speed, chair handling, ball handling and shooting. I am hoping that all my practice will pay off and I'll make it on a local division III team so I can start playing more competitively. The past year have been my greatest challenge and I am determined to overcome them. I am motivated now more than ever before to fulfill my dreams, attain my goals and keep gaining knowledge. I appreciate any help that can be provided.
My PayPal info is [email redacted]
Organizer
Kevin Atherley
Organizer
Pikesville, MD
