Cassandra's Paralysis Medical Fund
Donation protected
On July 21, 2017 my world completely changed. I was in a terrible car accident- my car rolled over 3 times and I was ejected. I sustained multiple significant traumatic injuries, including a spinal cord injury. I woke up outside of my vehicle on the floor with people all around me, a woman holding my hand, saying help was on the way and asking my name and information. I was struggling to breathe and it was so hard to talk. I had no idea where I was or what happened. I tried to move, but I couldn't.
Once in the ambulance they cut my clothes off with a pair of scissors and I was rushed to Delray Medical Center. While in the ambulance, they asked me if I could feel them touching my legs and I couldn't. When I arrived at the hospital they asked me the same questions. After x-rays and catscans, I broke my spine in half and as a result, I was immediately classified as a "complete" spinal cord injury and paralyzed from the waist down. Paraplegia occurs when sensation and movement are removed from the lower half of the body, including the legs. These injuries are the product of damage to the thoracic spinal cord. I had absolutely no movement or sensation below my waist whatsoever.
Doctors immediately told my family I wouldn't be able to walk again and to start preparing for when I am discharged from rehab. I felt hopeless in that moment and I could not fully grasp my head around the idea that I would not be able to walk again. But then I remembered that God saved me and watched over me and I survived. I have faith and I believe anything is possible if you believe. I have a two year old daughter that needs her Mommy.
I have been in Delray Medical Center for 28 days to date primarily because both lungs would keep collapsing and filled with pneumo thorax. I have had a total of 6 chest tubes since being admitted and two surguries specifically for my lungs. Now I'm just having the issue with my left lung. The good news is that I am now down to one chest tube. I am hoping to get it out soon I have been off suction for 2 days now. Once the chest tube is removed, I can be transferred to an inpatient rehab.
The second day here in the hospital I could feel the doctor touching me on my legs vaguely and I told him that. My back surgery was performed on July 25th and today (three weeks later) I have feeling all throughout my legs although I cannot feel temperature below my knees and I cannot feel pain like if I was to pinch myself on my thighs and down to my ankles. However I can feel myself pinching the bottom of my feet and some areas in my legs. I can wiggle my toes now on both feet and have muscle contractions on my left and right leg. I am able to lift my right foot up and move it all around.
The doctors now say I'm a miracle and that I will be walking again and that I'm one in a million which gives me so much hope. They never expected any movement at all. They asked if I prayed and I said every single day. They also said if I have this much movement and sensation back after 3 weeks that there is much more to come.
This has been a lot to take in and process. My world as I knew it is completely changed and I have had some really good days and then some days where they are so challenging but I try to stay as positive as possible.
Recommended treatment is inpatient rehab, followed by an outpatient rehab, and then attending physical and occupational therapy throughout the next year. All the funds raised will help me pay for bills from surgery, outpatient, physical therapy, monthly expenses, medications, medical supplies, and more. Please help me concentrate on recovering 100% from this traumatic event by blessing me with the funds to take care of any needs I will have during this critical time. Thank you for giving!!!
Once in the ambulance they cut my clothes off with a pair of scissors and I was rushed to Delray Medical Center. While in the ambulance, they asked me if I could feel them touching my legs and I couldn't. When I arrived at the hospital they asked me the same questions. After x-rays and catscans, I broke my spine in half and as a result, I was immediately classified as a "complete" spinal cord injury and paralyzed from the waist down. Paraplegia occurs when sensation and movement are removed from the lower half of the body, including the legs. These injuries are the product of damage to the thoracic spinal cord. I had absolutely no movement or sensation below my waist whatsoever.
Doctors immediately told my family I wouldn't be able to walk again and to start preparing for when I am discharged from rehab. I felt hopeless in that moment and I could not fully grasp my head around the idea that I would not be able to walk again. But then I remembered that God saved me and watched over me and I survived. I have faith and I believe anything is possible if you believe. I have a two year old daughter that needs her Mommy.
I have been in Delray Medical Center for 28 days to date primarily because both lungs would keep collapsing and filled with pneumo thorax. I have had a total of 6 chest tubes since being admitted and two surguries specifically for my lungs. Now I'm just having the issue with my left lung. The good news is that I am now down to one chest tube. I am hoping to get it out soon I have been off suction for 2 days now. Once the chest tube is removed, I can be transferred to an inpatient rehab.
The second day here in the hospital I could feel the doctor touching me on my legs vaguely and I told him that. My back surgery was performed on July 25th and today (three weeks later) I have feeling all throughout my legs although I cannot feel temperature below my knees and I cannot feel pain like if I was to pinch myself on my thighs and down to my ankles. However I can feel myself pinching the bottom of my feet and some areas in my legs. I can wiggle my toes now on both feet and have muscle contractions on my left and right leg. I am able to lift my right foot up and move it all around.
The doctors now say I'm a miracle and that I will be walking again and that I'm one in a million which gives me so much hope. They never expected any movement at all. They asked if I prayed and I said every single day. They also said if I have this much movement and sensation back after 3 weeks that there is much more to come.
This has been a lot to take in and process. My world as I knew it is completely changed and I have had some really good days and then some days where they are so challenging but I try to stay as positive as possible.
Recommended treatment is inpatient rehab, followed by an outpatient rehab, and then attending physical and occupational therapy throughout the next year. All the funds raised will help me pay for bills from surgery, outpatient, physical therapy, monthly expenses, medications, medical supplies, and more. Please help me concentrate on recovering 100% from this traumatic event by blessing me with the funds to take care of any needs I will have during this critical time. Thank you for giving!!!Organizer
Cassandra Marie Marquez
Organizer
Delray Beach, FL
