Vaughn's Road to Recovery
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Anyone who knows Vaughn Pfeffer knows that he is a fiercely loyal and devoted son, brother, uncle, friend and fiancé. Always quick with a joke or a smile, he is the kindest, most good-natured soul who would do anything for family, friends and even strangers (unless you challenge his position that Lebron James is the G.O.A.T.). He is generous with his time, his humor and his resources and never, ever asks for anything in return. But he needs his community to come together for him now.
In January, two weeks before his 35th birthday and three weeks after getting engaged, Vaughn suddenly collapsed from an aortic dissection, a condition in which the aorta tears and blood that should be flowing to other parts of the body instead collects in the chest. Rushed to Mass General Hospital, Vaughn underwent emergency heart surgery as his family awaited news of whether he would survive. Thankfully, an amazing team of doctors saved Vaughn's life. While aortic dissections usually affect men in their 60s and are often fatal, Vaughn's youth, strength and physical fitness kept him alive.
Unfortunately, the dissection led to a spinal cord injury and Vaughn is now experiencing paralysis in the lower half of his body. He has been transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where doctors and therapists are working with him to adjust to his current physical abilities. In the face of unfathomable adversity, Vaughn remains optimistic and determined.
While his support system is hopeful, it is too soon to tell his physical prognosis. He has a long road ahead and will face many new and difficult challenges—but he is meeting them with his usual perseverance and grit.
This is where we come in.
His family and friends are raising funds on his behalf to try and alleviate the financial, emotional and psychological stress that accompanies such a life-altering incident. Beyond medical bills, Vaughn will need special equipment and numerous adaptive therapies as he embarks on a productive future filled with hope, positivity, meaning and love.
We'll continue to keep everyone updated on his healing.
#StayStrongVaughn
In January, two weeks before his 35th birthday and three weeks after getting engaged, Vaughn suddenly collapsed from an aortic dissection, a condition in which the aorta tears and blood that should be flowing to other parts of the body instead collects in the chest. Rushed to Mass General Hospital, Vaughn underwent emergency heart surgery as his family awaited news of whether he would survive. Thankfully, an amazing team of doctors saved Vaughn's life. While aortic dissections usually affect men in their 60s and are often fatal, Vaughn's youth, strength and physical fitness kept him alive.
Unfortunately, the dissection led to a spinal cord injury and Vaughn is now experiencing paralysis in the lower half of his body. He has been transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, where doctors and therapists are working with him to adjust to his current physical abilities. In the face of unfathomable adversity, Vaughn remains optimistic and determined.
While his support system is hopeful, it is too soon to tell his physical prognosis. He has a long road ahead and will face many new and difficult challenges—but he is meeting them with his usual perseverance and grit.
This is where we come in.
His family and friends are raising funds on his behalf to try and alleviate the financial, emotional and psychological stress that accompanies such a life-altering incident. Beyond medical bills, Vaughn will need special equipment and numerous adaptive therapies as he embarks on a productive future filled with hope, positivity, meaning and love.
We'll continue to keep everyone updated on his healing.
#StayStrongVaughn
Organizer and beneficiary
Pfeffer Family
Organizer
Winthrop, MA
Rubin Pfeffer
Beneficiary