Finally, Back On My Feet

Hi, this is Scott Macpherson, thank you so much for taking the time to look at my page. On May 14th 2024 I went over the handlebars of my e-bike, going 20mph downhill in Montague Massachusetts.

Apparently, the person that called 911 described the situation by saying that “there is an elderly man lying on the pavement, he is bleeding and seems to be unconscious.” I was lucky in so many ways. I was lucky that someone found me and called quickly, I was lucky that I had health insurance that covered my ambulance and subsequent helicopter ride to Baystate Trauma Center, and I was lucky that my worst immediate injuries were a concussion, a fractured tooth, a cut elbow and lots of road rash. I didn’t even spend a night in the hospital; after passing all of the tests, they sent me home to heal.

7 weeks later, around July 5th, I started having balance issues, and difficulty coordinating my leg movements. Something was wrong. When I described my symptoms to a nurse, they sent me straight to a CT scan. The scan showed two slow bleeds one on each side of my brain. I was sent back to Baystate Hospital, and after 3 days continuing to deteriorate, I was scheduled for brain surgery on July 12th.

According to the doctors, the surgery went smoothly, but when I woke up from anesthesia, I had lost most of my mobility in both legs. I could not stand or walk. The trauma team doctors said they could not figure out why this was, and that I would be sent to rehab. Entering rehab, I was bed or wheelchair bound. With the help of occupational and physical therapist, I learned how to walk again. After 3 weeks of immense effort, I was significantly improved, but still wheelchair bound; I couldn’t use a walker without assistance.

I was discharged from rehab to my second-floor apartment where I live alone. I was able to purchase a stair lift that I had installed so I could get into the apartment. After a difficult first week and a little help from friends staying with me through the first few nights, I was able to move around my house with a walker, cook basic foods and get up and down the stairs to my door.

Now, 6 weeks later, can walk the 1.3-mile loop around my neighborhood without a walker and drive myself to appointments. On Oct 7th, I’ll begin outpatient physical therapy. On the 12th I’ll be going back to helping deliver meals Saturdays to folks in need, instead of having them delivered to me.

I’m here to ask for help in recovering the expenses incurred by the accident, and the cost of living for this period without income. Any money donated will go directly to expenses such as medical bills, purchase and installation of a stair lift, part time home care, as well as helping cover groceries and rent while I was unable to work. Whatever amount you may be able to donate will help me rebuild my modest finances. I am applying to jobs currently. Please share this request with friends whether you can donate or not. I am so grateful to all those able to help me get back to living my life, thank you so much!