Help Sonny Walk Again

Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

I am reaching out to you on behalf of my brother in law, Sonny, who has been courageously battling a chronic and debilitating condition called Arachnoiditis and cord compression syndrome, leaving him an incomplete paraplegic. Sonny has undergone seven spinal cord surgeries, five in the last 12 months, in his relentless pursuit of a healthier, more fulfilling life. He is a father to Ned, 13, and Henry, 11, and husband to my sister, Deirdre. Deirdre is a hard working school teacher and tutor, a wonderful, loving mother to the boys and wife to Sonny for the past 16 years.

How did this all happen? Sonny first sustained this injury while at Georgetown Prep (‘98) in Rockville, MD. He was on the wrestling team in 1994 and it was during a wrestling practice that he first sustained an injury to his spine: spondylolysis, a fracture to the lumbar spine. This injury resulted in two spinal fusion surgeries. The injury and surgeries then led to years of chronic back pain and other complications that have contributed to his latest medical requirements and surgeries.

In 2018, Sonny faced left leg issues, leading to urgent consultation with a neurosurgeon at Suburban Hospital. Two spinal surgeries in November and December revealed a large cyst compressing his spinal cord. Post-surgery, Sonny underwent rehabilitation at the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH). Despite a few years of success, Sonny experienced seizures of unknown origin, prompting visits to Georgetown Hospital's Chief of Neurosurgery and his current neurosurgeon, who discovered massive spinal cord compression. A two-year journey ensued to address both brain and spinal issues resulting in five spinal surgeries and additional inpatient rehabilitation.

Currently, he is undergoing intensive rehabilitation at the NRH, where he is working tirelessly to regain his strength in his legs in order to walk again. His recovery period is at least 18 months, but it is unknown how much of his sensation and mobility he will regain. Despite the challenges he faces, Sonny’s spirit remains unbroken, and he is determined to overcome the hurdles before him.

The financial burden of medical bills and the additional expenses associated with daily life have become overwhelming for the Furr family. We are humbly reaching out to our community for support during this difficult time. Your generous contributions will not only assist in covering the mounting medical bills, home modifications, and additional recovery expenses; your generosity will allow Sonny to focus on his recovery in a safe environment that will help prevent setbacks that are of significant risk.

Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant impact on Sonny’s journey to regaining full mobility and sensation. Your kindness and support will be received with immense gratitude and will certainly make a meaningful difference in Sonny’s life and his pursuit of a brighter future and life with his family.

Please consider sharing this campaign with your networks to spread the word and increase our chances of reaching the fundraising goal that will help the Furr family so much.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, thoughts, support, and prayers!!

With sincere gratitude,

Rob, Mike, and Matt Schroeder