My name is Thomas. A college friend of mine, Joe, lost his vision and his job. He had to move into a handicapped accessible apartment. I tried to help Joe the best I could because he did not have much assistance. Joe seemed to be doing well at his new apartment.

Then Joe went in for surgery in July of 2024, unrelated to his sight. The surgery, 6 and a half hours long, went great, but Joe was still weak from his surgery. I advised the doctor, the nurse, and the case manager that Joe was too weak to go home, that he lived alone, and that it would be an unsafe discharge. They sent him home anyway. Within 48 hours, Joe had fallen and was clinging to life. He was screaming, "I can't feel my legs," when I walked in to check on him that evening.

Joe was taken by ambulance to the hospital, and once he was stable, the hospital wanted to send him to live in a nursing home for the rest of his life since he was now paralyzed. Joe wants to be independent and needs the right rehab where he can flourish. He just needs the opportunity. Joe wants to participate in clinical trials for his eyes and his spine. Joe wants to go live back at his apartment, but he needs the tools to do so. He does not want to spend the rest of his life in a nursing home.

If I can find the right rehab, we may have to travel out of state. When he comes back from rehab, he will need care in his apartment since he lives alone. All of this costs. Any help anyone can give will be much appreciated. Being blind was bad enough; now being paralyzed is worse. Please help Joe get the care he needs. Again, any help will be much appreciated. Thank you!