Help a Veteran Renovate His 61-Year-Old Home

Permanent Paralysis Home Readiness Project: Help a Veteran Renovate His 61-Year-Old Home

The Event: It’s only been a few short weeks since our father, Henry, was working outside on a DIY project replacing the weathered trim on his home. Never being a fan of idle time and taking the approach when he sees something that needs to be done, he does it, even at age 71. It’s this work ethic that led to a catastrophic fall from a ladder. He landed head-first wedged between a brick partition and the shrubs. When he was found by his wife several minutes later, he told her to call 911 because he was unable to move and feel his limbs.

Severely Injured: Henry was transported to the nearest trauma center and taken back for emergency surgery. Hours later the surgeon came out with news about his condition. The fall broke his neck in two places – the C4 and C5. The fractures caused severe spinal cord damage that has left our father with incomplete tetraplegia.  Tetraplegia is also known as quadriplegia — paralysis caused by illness or injury that results in partial or total loss of use of all four limbs. Henry's loss is sensory and motor, which means that both his sensation and control have been lost. The surgeon went on to explain that due to the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, our father will not fully recover and will require daily care for the rest of his life. 

The Cost of Care: Our family is still struggling to grasp the host of unique and life-changing economic, emotional and physical challenges that are instantaneous and lifelong following a severe SCI. The medical expenses alone in the first year after an injury that causes tetraplegia can exceed $800,000. Thankfully because Henry served his country, the VA covers many of the medical expenses, but we are quickly learning of additional related expenses that are staggering and in excess of medical coverage.

Fund Raising Goal and How Funds Will Be Used: We are asking for funding assistance in the amount of $50,000 to prepare Henry’s home environment and vehicle both structurally and with the technology (software, tools and devices) essential for maximizing access, mobility, communication and his ability to participate in daily tasks/activities.

The Immediate Need: The transition from hospital, to rehab, to home is moving rapidly. We are laser focused on preparing for the near future when he has completed inpatient rehabilitation and able to return home. This will happen in a few short weeks. And we’re quickly discovering how expansive the home readiness project will be due to the age (built in 1958) and narrow design of the home. However, there are no shortcuts for making a home functional and safe for daily life.

Funds for Home Renovations: Modifications are needed inside, outside and to the landscape to accommodate his new functional limitations. The interior modifications require extensive structural remodeling in the bathroom, kitchen, hallway and bedroom. The exterior of the home will require an automatic gate, leveling off the landscape in the driveway, installing a carport, new doors on the patio and a ramp – making the cost to renovate skyrocket exceeding the VA’s allowance for necessary home improvements and structural modifications.

Life Lived in Service to Others: It is because our father has spent most of his adult life in service to his family, friends, community, and country we are seeing just how beloved he is. We’re all humbled by the outpouring of love, prayers and support we’ve received from across the globe.

Transitioning to Life with SCI Paralysis: Before the accident our father and his wife were spending their senior years enjoying life to the fullest with no end in sight. Going from a healthy active lifestyle filled with the things he loved – frequent travel, photography, gardening, carpentry, cooking, dancing and creating pencil portraits from photographs to a life dependent on others for his basic daily needs is heartbreaking.

Henry’s Outlook: But as shocking and tragic the prognosis is, our father has already shown remarkable resilience assuring his loving and supportive wife, 6 children and 14 grandchildren that he will face this head on with strength and courage. Recently, he told us "I'm tougher than you think." We’re encouraged by his optimism, determination and by his vision of better days as he heals, gets stronger and settles into life with limited physical capabilities. 

Henry’s Faith: His mindset of perseverance and optimism is undoubtedly due to his unwavering Christian faith in God and in his ability to share his faith with others.  His source of strength is rooted in his desire and goal to return to the full-time Christian ministry work he participated in prior to the accident. It is in this work  where he joyfully serves his community. 

Donating: If in reading this you are moved to help, we will be able to bring our father home to an environment  that’s been customized and equipped with the tools necessary to reclaim independence and a quality of life. Henry has never met a stranger. He treats everyone as a either an old friend or a new friend.  The only time he has shed a tear about this situation was when his friends gathered at his bedside to show love and support in a mini concert.  See video attached above. 

We are asking that you join our effort to expand his circle of friends, not just to those who are by his bedside but to new friends willing to contribute and help meet this fundraising goal. While you’re here please take a minute to leave a comment with words of encouragement and support. He will treasure all that he receives.