Help Scott regain the use of his arms and legs

Hi everybody, I'm Scott’s sister Betsy. As many of you know, Scott suffered a terrible accident and became paralyzed last August. I'm organizing this GoFundMe campaign to request your help in easing the huge, unexpected financial burden that has accompanied his accident.

If you've ever been touched by Scott's passionate drumming, or visited RollingSoles, his iconic skate shop on Lake Street to rent or buy roller skates or rollerblades, he could sure use your help right now.

Scott’s injury has an uncertain prognosis and he needs specialized care and equipment.

One hundred percent of any funds raised will go towards Scott’s nursing home care and medical expenses, as well as his therapy and the purchase of the expensive power wheelchair and adaptive equipment that he needs.

Thanks in advance for your continued support. My brother is filled with heartfelt gratitude for all of you who have reached out through Caring Bridge with your prayers and supportive words. You have provided him with light and hope during his darkest days.

More of Scott’s story for those who are interested

On August 27, 2023, Scott’s life was shattered in a split second when he became dizzy during a walk and fainted, falling face first on the sidewalk in front of his apartment. When he came to a few seconds later, Scott was shocked to realize he was paralyzed. He could not feel or move anything from the neck down.

Bystanders gathered and called 911. Scott was rushed by ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), where he remained in the ICU for two weeks. Doctors informed Scott and his family that he had suffered an traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury, the kind that rarely heals, and that it was unlikely he would ever walk, drum, bike, or roller skate again.

Hearing the doctors’ prognosis, all Scott wanted to do was die.

Two weeks after entering the hospital, Scott was transferred to the transitional care unit (TCU) of a nursing home in Saint Paul, where he remains today.

At the nursing home, Scott received physical and occupational therapy five days a week. With the help of great therapists and a lot of hard work, Scott surpassed the doctors initial prognosis by regaining some feeling throughout his body as well as partial use of his left arm, hand, leg and foot.

Unfortunately, he has not had as much success on the right side of his body, where his right hand is plagued with spasticity, feeling like a useless claw, and his right leg feels like a block of wood that can hardly move.

Scott still can’t walk and probably never will again. He’s facing a life of endless work and therapy just to restore some of his ability to perform the simplest and most basic acts of daily living. For example, Scott needs help getting out of bed and transferring to a chair and back. He also needs help dressing, eating, and using the toilet.

But Scott hasn't quit, and he still hopes to find a life of meaning somewhere between who he used to be and who he has become.

One of the big challenges for Scott has been his lack of mobility. Since his fall in August, Scott has spent 22 to 24 hours a day in bed. However, over the past couple weeks, Scott has been getting out via Metro Mobility to attend his therapy appointments at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Center, and he has begun shopping for the kind of power wheelchair his doctors and therapists have recommended.

if anyone is uncomfortable, using Go fund me to make a donation, I’m told you can also donate through Venmo:@scott-sansby-1