Help Make Spence's Home Accessible

We are a collection of friends and colleagues of Spencer Edwards and we have launched an appeal to support Spencer and his family as they recover from significant financial hardship due to a medical crisis.

Our goal is to reach $150,000.00 for the aids, services and support that Spencer and his family require to live more fully, safely and comfortaby in the home and community where they are settled.

We ask that you prayerfully consider making a financial contribution.

BACKGROUND: 
In February 2017, Spence stood up and immediately fell to the floor completely paralyzed from the waist down.       

Spencer’s back pain had begun a month earlier and was severe.  He was under the care of a physician, physiotherapist and chiropractor and the pain continued to worsen.  Although an MRI of his lower back showed normal, he was not.   

Spencer went through innumerable tests, which eventually lead to the discovery of a massive infection on his spine causing significant bone and spinal nerve damage.  (The cause of the infection is still undiscovered).  On March 2, 2017, Spencer had a 5-hour spinal surgery that attempted to repair the  damage, which included the placement of 6 screws.  It took 3 months of IV antibiotics until the infection  was gone and throughout that time Spencer worked 5-days a week, in a spinal cord injury rehabilitation hospital to gain back some mobility.

On June 1, 2017, Spencer was discharged from hospital and returned home.  A few small modifications were made to accommodate his wheelchair. Spencer is limited to the main floor of their home and sleeps in a hospital bed in their kitchen dining area. For 12 months, he participated in the Outpatient Physiotherapy program at Hamilton’s General Hospital.  A year later despite his hard-work and perseverance, it is very unlikely that he will ever walk well enough to manage stairs. 

Both Spencer and his wife Jody have not been able to work since the crisis began and have used their available savings to make the initial house modifications and to purchase service aids.

 SPENCER'S IMPACT:
Spencer Edward’s ministry as the Synod of South Western Ontario’s Synod Youth Consultant/Regional Staff for Youth & Family Ministries touched and changed many young people, youth leaders and ministers in the synod.  His warmth, generosity of spirit and passion to extend the hospitality of Christ inspired us, and made our communities of faith places where we were all children of God for 20 years.

Below are reflections from just a few of the lives that Spencer inspired:

“Spencer has the gift of bringing people together.  In his ministry in our synod, he saw the importance of creating an atmosphere for our leaders to grow and mature in their faith.”  Joanne MacPherson, Youth and Outreach Coordinator, New St. James Presbyterian Church, London.

“Spencer was a key motivator for me entering the ministry.  He has a way of inspiring young people to be passionate about faith."  Rev. Jennifer Geddes, Minister, Comox Valley Presbyterian Church, British Columba.

“Spencer was a voice for youth in our synod.  He challenged me to never underestimate the power of a faithful presence alongside the youngest members of the family of God.”  Rev. Mavis Currie, Minister, Knox Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas.”

THE NUMBERS:

Phase 1 Home Construction: $76,000.00           Begins fall of 2018

Includes:
-$5,000 for garage lift to make the entry safe for Spencer before the snow and ice arrive
-$51,000 for 2nd floor renovation (includes work to 2 bathrooms making one accessible, installing new flooring and stair rail, creating accessible storage)
-$14,000 for stair lift
-$6,000  for adjustable bed for Spence and Jody

Accessible Van: $52,000
$38,000 Purchase Price
$14,000 for hand controls and seat lift        

Phase 2 Home Construction : $70,000.00
(includes creating an accessible kitchen, modifications to load-bearing walls to create open floor plan, safety exterior exits to accommodate
Spencer’s wheelchair, etc.)

 DONATIONS:
One-time financial contributions can be made through this page, or you can contact the Edwards directly for alternative ways to give. 

You may also choose to host a fund-raising event in Spencer’s honour recognizing his extensive ministry.