Hello, my name's Melissa and I'm a nurse from Tennessee. I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my friend Gerald. I’ve known his girlfriend, my best friend, since we were 12 years old, and through her I’ve had the privilege of getting to know Gerald and seeing firsthand the incredible person he is—kind, determined, and dedicated to helping others despite the many challenges he faces each day.
Gerald is a 42-year-old Murfreesboro, TN resident who has dedicated his life to helping others. In his roles as the Associate Director of the Disability Access Center at Middle Tennessee State University and an instructor teaching a class on sports and disability, Gerald works every day to ensure students with disabilities have equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. He also volunteers in his community, serving on advisory boards, and speaking to teenagers about the dangers of drinking and driving. Beyond his professional achievements, Gerald is an incredible friend, mentor, and advocate. His humor, insight and compassion inspire everyone who knows him.
Now, Gerald needs our help.
At just 16 years old, Gerald’s life changed forever when a car accident severely injured his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the armpits down. For the past 25 years, he has lived with quadriplegia, meaning both his upper and lower body are affected by paralysis. Despite these challenges, Gerald approaches life with remarkable independence and creativity, using his head, shoulders, and biceps to accomplish as much as he can. He’s found ways to feed himself, brush his teeth, and manage many daily tasks with ingenuity and determination.
Still, there are many aspects of daily living that require the help of others. Gerald depends on skilled nursing support for essential medical care such as bowel and bladder management and wound care. He also relies on personal care assistants for vital activities like transferring in and out of bed, cooking, bathing, and dressing. These supports allow Gerald not only to live safely and comfortably, but also to continue his meaningful work and contributions to his community.
For many years, Gerald has qualified for Medicaid, which has provided the skilled nursing and personal care assistance that allow him to live independently in his own home rather than in a nursing facility. These caregivers are not a luxury—they are essential to his health, safety, and dignity.
After years of hard work, Gerald achieved something remarkable: he completed his PhD and, in March 2025, began a full-time position at Middle Tennessee State University. This success came with an unexpected consequence: Tennessee’s Medicaid program, called TennCare, informed him that because his salary exceeds $35,000 per year, he no longer qualifies for coverage for the home health services that have kept him safe and stable for decades.
The reality is that Gerald’s care needs far exceed what his income can support. The cost of his required home health assistance is around $50,000 per year, on top of an estimated $36,000 in normal living expenses. Although he works full-time, Gerald simply cannot afford nearly $86,000 annually to cover both his care and his basic needs. His parents, now in their seventies, are no longer able to provide the hands-on assistance he needs, and his girlfriend also lives with a disability.
TennCare has made it clear that if Gerald were to stop working, he could reapply and once again qualify for home health coverage. But that would mean giving up the independence and purpose he’s fought so hard to achieve. Without home health support, Gerald risks losing not only his independence but also the career and home he has worked so hard to build.
Below is a breakdown of Gerald’s estimated care expenses:
Caregiver: $18/hour x 4 hours/day = $504/week
Skilled Nursing (RN/LPN): $29/hour x 2 hours/day = $406/week
Total Weekly Cost = $910/week
Total Monthly Cost = $3,943/month
Gerald has spent his life empowering others to overcome challenges, and now he needs our help to continue doing the work he loves. Your support will go directly toward covering the cost of his essential home health care, allowing him to remain in his home, keep his job at Middle Tennessee State University, and continue making a difference in the lives of his students and community.
Every contribution—no matter the size—brings Gerald closer to maintaining his independence and stability. If you’re unable to give financially, you can still make a huge impact by sharing this campaign with others who may be able to help.
Gerald’s determination, compassion, and resilience inspire everyone who knows him. Together, we can help ensure he doesn’t have to choose between his health and his calling.
Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and belief in Gerald’s story.
You can see Gerald Christian on Facebook (@gerald.christian.560), Instagram (@gerald.christian.phd), and YouTube (@TheQuadriplegicRockstar) to see your contributions in action.
Local Media Stories:
https://www.wsmv.com/2025/07/23/im-being-blocked-american-dream-law-creating-tenncare-buy-in-program-people-with-disabilities-is-stalled-federal-medicaid-office/
Organizer and beneficiary
Gerald Christian
Beneficiary