Dear friends, family, and loved ones:

On May 17, Chris Kao’s life changed forever, when the truck he was traveling in rolled over. Chris broke his neck and was left paralyzed from the shoulders down. (C4 quadriplegia). The consequences have been unthinkable for such an active, adventurous man who just a few months ago, was in his prime. Chris has no mobility and depends on caregivers for the most basic needs and functions.  His life has become extremely difficult. 

But Chris is a fighter and there is a way that we can help him. Chris and his family have been overwhelmed with rising medical bills and costs, including caregivers, medical equipment, adaptive technology and an experimental surgery in Taiwan that may provide Chris with more function in his arms.  Let's all rally for him!  

Chris is 2003 alum of the Martin Luther King Jr. School of Law at UC Davis, a member of the California State Bar, a son, a friend, a colleague, and an all-around great guy.  

We--Chris's friends and family--are asking for your help.  In order for Chris to have the best recovery, he will need community support in the form of hope, prayers and generosity.  Any amount that you can donate would be greatly appreciated.  We ask you from the depths of our soul sto help us raise these funds for Chris.  Our goal is $150,000.  Let's see if together we can not only meet this amount, but exceed it.  Together we can give Chris a chance at using his limbs again, and help ease the impact of this huge life change.  We are all so incredibly grateful for any support you can provide.

Thank you everyone who has donated so far!  Chris, Whitney and family send their thanks from Taiwan. as well.  Also, a big thank you to Rebecca Gardner.  She is acting as Chris's attorney and has created a Special Needs Trust that will be used to hold the funds from this campaign, so that Chris can access the funds as needed for the surgery and related expenses.  She is going to transfer the funds from GoFundMe to the trust account, so that Chris can access via the trustee.   We are putting the finishing touches on the trust, so that Chris will be able to access these funds as soon as possible.  The trust can also be used to accept and hold funds for future donations.

Gratefully,
Chris's Family & Friends