Support Shawn's Medical Expenses
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On Sunday November 26th, 2017 Shawn Florence was severely injured in a skiing accident and his life immediately changed forever. While skiing at Pine Knob Ski Resort in Michigan, Shawn crashed into a fence which caused severe trauma to his spine. He was rushed to the closest trauma hospital in Pontiac Michigan where he underwent emergency spinal cord surgery to save his life. The surgeon was able to perform a successful spinal fusion surgery, however, because of the severe trauma of the injury it unfortunately left him paralyzed from the belly button down. This will ultimately leave him a paraplegic for the rest of his life, requiring many assistive devices, including a wheelchair for mobility and accessibility.
Shawn was treated at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Michigan for the injuries he sustained. The spinal cord was completely severed (ASIA grade A) at the T7 and T8 vertebrae, with damage in other areas of the spine as well. In addition to his spinal cord, other injuries included 13 broken ribs and collapsed lungs.
After a week-long stay in the United States intensive care unit, Shawn was finally stable enough to return to Canada. He was transferred to Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette Campus where he is currently staying. He is now waiting to hear back from the rehab facility, Parkwood Institute in London Ontario. This rehab center is a designated spinal surgery facility which focuses on helping patients train their bodies back to a condition where they can be as independent as possible in everyday life. Things will be very different for Shawn after he is discharged from rehabilitation. With support, he should be able to return to the community and integrate naturally back into the work force and daily living.
Shawn is a young 24 year old from Windsor-Essex County and an active member in the community. He graduated high school at Cardinal Carter Secondary in Leamington and received his diploma at St Clair College for Computer Systems Technology. He then bridged an agreement with the University of Windsor for a Computer Science degree that he was in the process of completing online. He worked at Kelcom Interent division in Windsor as a technical support and customer service agent, along with umpiring minor league baseball games for many summers with the Leamington and Windsor Baseball Umpire Association.
He is a son to Rosemary Cobby and Bobby Florence, step-son to Bob Cobby and loving brother to Scott Florence. He lives in the Windsor area with his wonderful long-term girlfriend Tiffany Laporte. All loved ones are devastated by Shawn's injury but confident that his perseverance and positive attitude will guide him on his journey.
Shawn was always there to help his friends and family whenever they needed it. He was always available to help you out of a jam with a tech related issue, or just if you needed someone to talk to. His love for sports brought him to numerous Red Wings, Lions, and Tigers games. He also supported his brother, Scott, unconditionally and spent many hours at the rink cheering on the Wheatley Sharks, Leamington Flyers, and Sun County Panthers.
As some of you may know medical bills in the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Surgery, recovery, and rehab will all cause huge financial strain on Shawn and his family. When his rehab is completed Shawn will also need financial assistance to acquire the equipment needed to live his daily life. This will include a wheelchair, vehicle equipped with accessibility features for his condition, and accessible housing that suits his needs.
Now Shawn is asking for your help to assist him with his medical expenses. Any donation amount, kind words of support, or sharing his story with family and friends would be greatly appreciated.
(Shawn post-surgery)
(X-ray of the rods used to stabilize Shawn's spine)
(Shawn's first time in a wheelchair)
(Shawn and his girlfriend Tiffany)
(Shawn and Tiffany at a Tigers game)
(Shawn and his mom, Rosemary)
(Shawn and his dad, Bobby)
Shawn was treated at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Michigan for the injuries he sustained. The spinal cord was completely severed (ASIA grade A) at the T7 and T8 vertebrae, with damage in other areas of the spine as well. In addition to his spinal cord, other injuries included 13 broken ribs and collapsed lungs.
After a week-long stay in the United States intensive care unit, Shawn was finally stable enough to return to Canada. He was transferred to Windsor Regional Hospital Ouellette Campus where he is currently staying. He is now waiting to hear back from the rehab facility, Parkwood Institute in London Ontario. This rehab center is a designated spinal surgery facility which focuses on helping patients train their bodies back to a condition where they can be as independent as possible in everyday life. Things will be very different for Shawn after he is discharged from rehabilitation. With support, he should be able to return to the community and integrate naturally back into the work force and daily living.
Shawn is a young 24 year old from Windsor-Essex County and an active member in the community. He graduated high school at Cardinal Carter Secondary in Leamington and received his diploma at St Clair College for Computer Systems Technology. He then bridged an agreement with the University of Windsor for a Computer Science degree that he was in the process of completing online. He worked at Kelcom Interent division in Windsor as a technical support and customer service agent, along with umpiring minor league baseball games for many summers with the Leamington and Windsor Baseball Umpire Association.
He is a son to Rosemary Cobby and Bobby Florence, step-son to Bob Cobby and loving brother to Scott Florence. He lives in the Windsor area with his wonderful long-term girlfriend Tiffany Laporte. All loved ones are devastated by Shawn's injury but confident that his perseverance and positive attitude will guide him on his journey.
Shawn was always there to help his friends and family whenever they needed it. He was always available to help you out of a jam with a tech related issue, or just if you needed someone to talk to. His love for sports brought him to numerous Red Wings, Lions, and Tigers games. He also supported his brother, Scott, unconditionally and spent many hours at the rink cheering on the Wheatley Sharks, Leamington Flyers, and Sun County Panthers.
As some of you may know medical bills in the United States can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Surgery, recovery, and rehab will all cause huge financial strain on Shawn and his family. When his rehab is completed Shawn will also need financial assistance to acquire the equipment needed to live his daily life. This will include a wheelchair, vehicle equipped with accessibility features for his condition, and accessible housing that suits his needs.
Now Shawn is asking for your help to assist him with his medical expenses. Any donation amount, kind words of support, or sharing his story with family and friends would be greatly appreciated.
(Shawn post-surgery)(X-ray of the rods used to stabilize Shawn's spine)(Shawn's first time in a wheelchair)(Shawn and his girlfriend Tiffany)(Shawn and Tiffany at a Tigers game)(Shawn and his mom, Rosemary)(Shawn and his dad, Bobby)Organiser and beneficiary
Tiffany Laporte
Organiser
Windsor, ON
Shawn Florence
Beneficiary
