My name is Charli Lillian, and in 2023, my world was shattered in an instant. I was hit by a drunk driver—a split second that broke my C6 vertebra and left me paralyzed from the chest down. I went from being fiercely independent, to being completely dependent on others for my most basic needs. I lost my freedom, independence, and the life I had worked so hard to build… but my broken neck was just the beginning.
 A Betrayal During My Darkest Hour
  As if the physical trauma wasn’t enough, I was in for another life altering event. While I was fighting for my life, my (now) ex-boyfriend collected nearly $70,000 in donations from wonderful friends, family and strangers intended for my recovery- the drunk driver didn’t have insurance, so this money was critical for my future. My ex assured me he was going to put the funds in a protected account that I would have access to.. but that didn’t happen… I spent 4 weeks in ICU, and an additional 3 months at the Shepherd Center of Atlanta. Once I was released, I began the transition home, and then to Michigan, where I would be living the dream with my boyfriend and taking on the title of Director of Public Outreach at the zoo he owns. I switched my insurance, doctors, pharmacy, and physical therapy all up to Michigan. I said goodbye to friends and family, and moved 10 hours north to start on a brand new adventure. Unfortunately, that dream unraveled very quickly, and I was forced to reevaluate my entire future yet again. As I gathered my belongings and started making arrangements to return to Tennessee, I requested my fund be returned, to which he replied, “what of that do you think I owe you?”. Unbeknownst to me, my fund intended for my future had been squandered away. This betrayal forced me to move back home to Tennessee with nothing but a small amount of personal belongings and my determination to rise up yet again. You can read more about the legal case and the attempted recovery of these stolen funds here:
 • MLive: https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2026/01/michigan-man-charged-with-stealing-63000-in-donations-from-ex-paralyzed-in-crash.html
 • ABC12: https://www.abc12.com/news/director-of-birch-run-zoo-facing-larceny-by-conversion-charge-in-vulnerable-adult-case/article_7dfc16d6-471d-4d1f-b0f5-22050060b310.html

 A New Chapter in Tennessee
 Since returning to Tennessee, my outlook has shifted from survival to growth. I am making huge strides that I never thought possible. With the incredible support of my physical therapy team at NeuroRecovery Center of Nashville, my special trainer at the YMCA, friends, and family I am getting stronger every day. I am no longer just a victim of an accident or abuse; I am an athlete training to reclaim my own life. However, the road to healing and independence is expensive. Insurance only covers a fraction of what is needed to SURVIVE, let alone thrive. For goodness sake- they don’t cover a shower chair because you can bathe and use the bathroom IN BED with wet wiped and pads. EXCUSE ME?!
Relieving the Burden
 Right now, much of this weight falls on my 63-year-old mother, who has been my shining star through the darkest times. However, taking full time care of her adult daughter was not something she was financially or physically prepared for at this stage of life. Your donations don't just buy life changing equipment; they help me buy the ability to take care of myself and give my mother the rest she deserves.
 How Your Support Helps
I am asking for your help to fund the tools and therapy that will give me my "freedom" back.
 
My immediate goals include:
 • Continued Intensive Physical Therapy: To building on the progress I’ve made at Physical Therapy. (Not covered by insurance)
• Adaptive Gym Training Sessions: Specialized coaching to help me regain my strength. (Not covered by insurance)
 • The Freedom Trax: This is a game-changer. It is an adaptive track system that allows manual wheelchairs to navigate off-road terrain like sand, snow, and gravel. As someone who loves the outdoors and worked with animals, this would mean the world to me. • See what I'm aiming for: Freedom Trax Official Site https://freedomtrax.com
 • Adaptive Equipment: Power assist for my manual chair to help save my shoulders, and tools for daily living that allow me to navigate the world without constant assistance.
 • Car Modifications: Being a “passenger princess” is fantastic.. sometimes… but the ability to drive is the pinnacle of independence. I currently am completely reliant on others to take me to and from anywhere I need to go, and uber is not an option. For me to drive, I need hand controls and the ability to pull my chair into the driver seat spot. This modification is not cheap, not covered by insurance, and I’ve been unable to fit such an expense into the limited funds I do have.. but eventually, driving myself would be most wonderful again!

• Bathroom renovation: 
This one is huge… most houses aren’t built with paralysis in mind, and my mom’s house is no exception. The bathrooms with showers are all located upstairs.. a staircase I can’t traverse alone.. my family installed a chair lift, but with my spasms, it takes two people to get me upstairs- and even then, it’s terrifying! My bedroom is on the first floor, and there’s a tiny bathroom here that I can’t fit into.. I’ve been brushing my teeth in the kitchen, and getting ready at a vanity in my room… but the shower situation is beyond frustrating. We’ve talked to insurance… and you guessed it… it’s not medically necessary, and they won’t help!

 I’ve survived a drunk driver and abuse by a person I loved and trusted with my life. Now, I’m ready to thrive. Thank you for being part of my journey back to independence. Every dollar, every share, and every word of encouragement brings me one step closer to the "Freedom" I’m chasing.