This fund is for Austin musician and creative Eden Welply, who is currently living with paralysis. This money will be used to help her participate in groundbreaking treatments such as stem cell therapy, epidural stimulation, and other pharmaceutical approaches to help her regain basic bodily functions that she lost in an accident last year. We are hopeful that participating in these treatments within the critical two year window after spinal cord injury will give Eden the maximum chances of recovery.  Early last year, Eden was badly injured in a collision that left her with collapsed lungs, a traumatic brain injury, a laundry list of broken bones, and a spinal cord injury. The doctors who performed her emergency brain surgery did not expect her to survive, or that even in the best case she would recover cognitive function. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48018756_158933793522688_r.jpeg" alt="48018756_158933793522688_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Miraculously, Eden not only survived but emerged with her mind fully intact. This was no surprise to people familiar with her tenacity and resilience, which would be needed more than ever as the grueling struggle continued. She spent seven of the next ten months in various hospitals, with rigorous rehabilitation interrupted only by complications arising from her injuries. Neither the relentless grind nor repeated emergency room detours could discourage Eden's stubborn determination. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48018756_1589263402303851_r.jpeg" alt="48018756_1589263402303851_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> The few months spent at home during this early period were no relief. Eden faced a massive gap between her needs and the resources available. Still utterly dependent for even the most basic functions, Eden relied on her friends and neighbors to care for her. In spite of their efforts, in the end this was a false start and she was re-hospitalized. Eden was finally able to return home in January, with enough support in place to be safely discharged. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48018756_1589263477721286_r.jpeg" alt="48018756_1589263477721286_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> She has made astonishing progress over the past year but is still living with quadriplegia. Aside from lost or impaired motor skills, spinal cord injury (SCI) involves a suite of related medical complications affecting the immune system, temperature and blood pressure regulation, and perhaps most debilitating, bladder and bowel function. Each of these issues carries additional risks and creates extraordinary stresses on the body that require active management and create further chronic challenges. Nonetheless, Eden's resolve remains steadfast on her journey toward independence. Time is of the essence when considering neurological recovery. The two year window after injury is crucial, as most functional return takes place--and treatment is most effective--during this period. To take full advantage of this irreplaceable time, Eden needs help. She will continue to work tirelessly and do everything possible to regain her autonomy. <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48018756_1589263555473515_r.jpeg" alt="48018756_1589263555473515_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Eden is interested in seeking treatment such as that offered by Dr. Wise Young and his team (see links below). In a recent study of his involving patients with chronic SCI, 75% of participants were restored to walking with minimal assistance. Until very recently, results like these were unimaginable. The study involves the application of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, alongside six hours of daily training to practice walking. The transformative potential of this treatment for Eden's life cannot be overstated. Even the return of some hand function or bladder and bowel function would be revolutionary to her situation. It could mean the difference between full independence on the one hand, and on the other, a lifetime of total dependence on daily nursing care. Psychological toll aside, the latter's cost is likely to tally in the millions of dollars. <a href="https://radioideaxme.com/2019/10/28/a-breakthrough-in-spinal-cord-injury-treatment-with-dr-wise-young/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://radioideaxme.com/2019/10/28/a-breakthrough-in-spinal-cord-injury-treatment-with-dr-wise-young/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://radioideaxme.com/2019/10/28/a-breakthrough-in-spinal-cord-injury-treatment-with-dr-wise-young/</a></a>  <a href="http://teamfighttowalk.com/trials/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="http://teamfighttowalk.com/trials/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://teamfighttowalk.com/trials/</a></a>  <img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/48018756_1589263428970281_r.jpeg" alt="48018756_1589263428970281_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /> Why we need your help: Those of you that know Eden personally, know what a vibrant person she is and the remarkable life that she leads. Her infectious joy is a beacon of light and energy. Eden is a special gift to everyone she meets, but more importantly, she is truly inspiring with her positive attitude, grit, and determination. Under constant physical and emotional stress, she has regained more function than anyone expected, but there is still so much further to go. Neurological recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. There are a great many foundations, facilities, and hospitals that are dedicating all of their efforts to a cure for paralysis. Without fear, Eden is approaching more modern forms of treatment, all of which are quite costly. Eden’s injury has left her dependent on other people to take care of her which has taken a major financial toll. In spite of generous support from many sources, covering the costs of the most basic daily care is a persistent struggle. Eden and her family alone cannot afford restorative treatment, but with your help pursuing this can be a reality. We greatly appreciate those of you who have been following Eden’s story. Every contribution helps bring hope to Eden and her many comrades in this fight. Thank you in advance for your donations, thoughts, and prayers.

Britni Rhinehart

Anonymous

Raquel Powell

Lisa Watson

Eden Welply's Restorative Treatment Fund

Still $121,104 to go. Help us build momentum.