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Rehab, trainer and equipment

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On September 23, 2000 I was involved in a motor vehicle accident. I sustained a spinal cord injury (c4-c5 vertebra), and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic. I entered the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation on October 24, 2000, after leaving Westchester Medical Center, and remained there until September 2001. During that extended stay I made a lot of progress, and was allowed to go home, after being prepared for what was to be my adapted new life.  
I went to a number of outpatient rehab facilities. And while each helped me come to the place I am right now, a lot of that came from me telling the therapist "what to do" with me. Most physical therapy clinics deal with orthopedic patients, hip/knee replacements, post shoulder surgery, stroke victims, etc... Not taking away from these people and the attention they need, nor work they do. However, as a person with a Spinal Cord Injury, especially a quad, I need a little more focus and one-on-one attention. The therapy clinics I went to would have, limited techniques, exercises, and equipment necessary to work with quads. I would make gains, but after a while they would feel as if I maxed out or hit a plateau. I BEG TO DIFFER... I took it upon myself to get a gym membership 6 years ago and have recently joined a fitness center with my wife and daughters. Yes you read correctly, daughters.
I worked with a personal trainer there for two, one hour sessions, and came to the realization that I need intensive one-on-one training and strengthening and would LOVE to go  back to the Kessler Institute in West Orange, New Jersey. My issue and reason for creating this gofundme page is because my New York health insurance will not cover a New Jersey inpatient stay. The cost of Kessler is $2000 a day... They have a ten week program that, if I pass the evaluation on October 12th, would be a great NEW beginning. I would be able to have two, one hour physical therapy sessions a day, as well as an hour of weight training and strengthening. Plus the attention and ability to work with the BEST therapist in the US. Kessler is also a learning and research facility, so I could be privy to all the latest techniques, technologies and innovations available to Spinal Cord Injury patients.  
I do believe that I have been healed by GOD already, but a faith without works is dead... And I'm ready to do the work again!!!
When I entered Kessler 14 years ago, I was only able to move my head and arms (barely), when I left 11 months later I was able to walk minimally with assistance and the use of a walker. Since that time I have gotten a lot more return, and fully believe with ALL my heart, mind, and spirit that if I was able to return to the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation I would be able to WALK out of there under my own strength. I worked extremely hard for a year just so I could stand and receive my bride at the alter on September 23, 2006 and have our first dance standing up. I believe again that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, but I need your financial assistance.
I can use ANY and ALL donations to make this life changing dream come true and become me and my family's new reality. My daughters were both born to me while I have been in this wheelchair and I would love to be able to maintain a steady job, take them to daddy/daughter dances, and eventually WALK them down the aisle. I am willing to take this journey, and leave my family for this period of time, to have life changing experience. 
I will use the funds I receive by paying for my stay in Kessler ~$140,000; 2 hours a week with a personal trainer for the next year once I am rereleased $11,440; Exercise, strengthening, weight training equipment ; Spinal cord/stem cell research donation
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $10 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Carheem 'Reson' Cooke-Coleman
Organizer
New York, NY

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