Anthonys Journey Through Paraplegia

The morning of December 10th, 2023, my 16 year old son Anthony was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. The vehicle that he was driving lost control, hit a mile marker, a pole, went up an embankment, then rolled back down wrapping around a tree...EMS had to extricate him from the vehicle. 

As a result he had a burst fracture of the L2 vertebre that was pressed up against his spinal cord. Emergency surgery was able to alleviate that pressure, but unfortunately was not successful in bringing back Anthony's feeling to his lower extremities, as they found bone fragments had lacerated the right side of his spinal cord leaving the left side intact. We have learned they call this an "incomplete injury", an AIS B or C, and remain hopeful he can make a full recovery.

Anthony has remained inpatient at the hospital and been going through intensive PT/OT in a facility that specializes in spinal cord injuries. He's learned how to transfer himself to and from his wheelchair, bed and commode/shower chair. He's met with peer mentors whom are also quad/paraplegic whom have shared experiences with Anthony preparing him for what life could look like if recovery doesn't go as we hope.

Anthony is set for discharge Saturday January 13th. I have began the process of moving his room downstairs on the main level, and purchased an adjustable bed, commode and shower chair. 

Some barriers we have come across are that we do not have an accessible shower on the main level of our house, both are upstairs, and our carpet is not wheelchair friendly. I'm also taking the next month off on FMLA to better transition into our new home life. I'm creating this gofundme in hopes of raising some money to help offset the cost of my lost wages during my leave of absence from work as well as assist me in making my home ADA accessible for my son. 

Life is so precious, and I never imagined in a million years I'd be in this position with my child, yet here we are. 

There but for the grace of God, go I....meaning things could always be worse. So I count my blessings and humble myself as I ask for a little financial assistance from those in a position to donate to us as we embark on this new journey to recovery ❤️