Nearly 30 years ago one of our role models was in a devastating accident.  Our brother, Andy Slocum, suffered a life changing event in the prime of his life. Andy sustained a high level spinal injury, paralyzing him from the neck down and leaving him a quadriplegic. His life was forever changed. But, Andy is a fighter and never took the easy road or gave up, which makes Andy’s new struggle that much harder. Andy is now struggling to keep his independence.

Because of Andy’s injury it is a miracle that he is able to be as independent as he is, holding down a job in finance and even driving to and from work. But while Andy is still unwaveringly committed to his career, unfortunately his method of transportation that he has counted on for all these years has finally given up on him.  Andy’s Van, which he has had for as long as his current job, has finally met its end and he is no longer able to transport himself anywhere, let alone to work to provide for himself.

For most people they might let all of this get them down; they might give up and become sad, even angry.  If you are lucky enough to know our brother Andy, you would know that this isn’t the case for him.  But, if you aren’t lucky enough to know him, my hope for you is that someday you will have the privilege of meeting him!

Andy is a survivor.  He has made a wonderful life for himself against all odds.  He fought to regain all the strength he could to be as independent as possible. It is a miracle that he is able to drive at all, given the very limited arm movement he was left with following the accident. Yet, he fought for what independence he could and never gave up until he got there.  

All along, he did this with a great attitude and a courageous soul.  Andy worked hard to purchase his van and then customize it to his needs, based on his specific spinal injury.  Owning this van allowed Andy to be truly independent in transporting himself and that is a beautiful thing.  Because of this, he was able to secure his job that he loves and provide for himself and his family.

27 years ago Andy started his career in finance.  Since then he has been with the same company in his current position for 17 years. His company not only depends on him for operational success, but even more they depend on him for the motivation and education of new team members. In a time where many employees are easily replaceable in the workplace, I would suggest Andy is not!

So what is the issue? It would seem as though someone who works diligently at their full time job, and with an amazing and inspirational attitude none the less, they would be able to afford to buy whatever they needed...when they needed it, right? Sadly, this is not the case in Andy’s situation.

Luckily, most of us will never know the cost of living a quadriplegic lifestyle.  We will never know the cost of the many needed medical supplies that the insurance company should cover… but does not. Supplies that ensure we meet our basic needs, that are necessary to survive on a daily basis.  The cost of having a personal aide who arrives at the house twice a day to assist you in both getting up and going to bed…all paid for by Andy without help from his insurance company. But, Andy does know this reality and he lives with it daily with grace and gratitude!

So, why does Andy need help and what can we do to help him?

 Andy’s tried-and-true van that he purchased  sixteen years ago has stopped running.  There is no solution for repairing this van.  Having      this van has allowed him to transport himself   to and from work, to doctors’ appointments,    to the store, to help his boys when in need, to visit his parents and to simply just escape for a drive. For the past 16 years this van has been a blessing and an absolute necessity for his independence!  Andy cannot just call a cab.  He can’t just go shopping for the best deal on a carlike the rest of us when our vehicle dies or we decide we would like a new one.

As a family we have looked into options for a new van for Andy so he can keep his independence in life, keep his job.  So he can continue to work hard and travel to doctors’ appointments.  But, Andy is living in Florida as this is the most accommodating to his special needs and the rest of his family is in Maine.  He has little support in Florida and needs our help.

A new van will cost roughly $100,000.  Finding a used van to purchase could be an option, but this may be hard to find. If a used van is found, it would likely need extensive and costly work to customize it for Andy.  So, here we are, reaching for the stars to help Andy buy a new van, a van he will likely have for the remainder of his working career. We understand that this is a big ask.  If we are unable to reach our goal, any money raised will then go to helping Andy find a used van to finance and/or tocustomize to his needs.

We are reluctant,  but hopeful in reaching out to our community and beyond to ask for help for Andy.  Andy needs to keep his job and beyond that, his independence.  Please, if there is any chance you can help Andy, no matter how big or small, we graciously ask for your assistance and we will forever pay it forward!