Adapting to Paralysis

George Zackular, 53, suffered from a traumatic spinal stroke on July 24, 2014. A spinal stroke is caused by a disruption in the blood supply to the spinal cord. Since the spinal cord depends on a supply of blood to function properly, a disruption in this system causes tissue damage and can block messages (nerve impulses) from traveling along the spinal cord. Spinal strokes are a rare occurrence and are less common than strokes that effect the brain—they only account for 1.25 percent of all strokes.

The long term effects of George’s spinal stroke have left him paralyzed from the chest down. He is currently undergoing Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy in a rehabilitation center to relearn how to perform everyday tasks without the use of his legs and core, as well as to regain strength in his arms and hands. Despite the initial shock, he is in great spirits and is seeing slight improvements each week from therapy. However, he cannot return home until he purchases a wheel chair and renovates his home to safely accommodate his paralysis.  

Although George, his wife Betty Ann, and their 3 young sons (Ryan age 11 and twin boys Randy and George age 9) are fortunate enough to have insurance, they are still responsible for covering much more than the average family can imagine affording. Your donation, big or small, will bring George and his family a step closer to a comfortable life of adapting to his paralysis. Thanks for taking the time to read his story, even if you are unable to support the fund. It means a lot to give George the recognition he deserves!