Kurt's Spinal Cord Injury Fundraiser

Hi, my name is Kurt. 

In 2021 I suffered a spinal cord injury. Today I am raising money for adaptive equipment to help increase my independence and pay off medical bills. Any additional donations will go towards my health insurance which is currently more than my rent. Anything helps! Thanks for visiting. Read my full story below.

On September 14, 2021 I experienced a spinal cord injury and was rushed to Glendale Memorial Hospital by 911 emergency responders. That night began a three month hospital stay which profoundly changed my world. Under the care of amazing doctors, nurses and physical therapists, I underwent two spinal surgeries to deal with a diagnosis of congenital spinal stenosis. I had been born with this condition but did not know I had it until that painful night in September. Congenital spinal stenosis is caused by a narrowing of the spinal cord that is present at birth.

After the surgeries, my doctors told me that as a result of the spinal stenosis I had Cauda Equina Syndrome with Partial Paralysis. Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is the compression of a collection of nerve roots that spread out from the base of the spine. This bundle of nerve roots is called the Cauda Equina as it resembles a horse's tail as it extends from the base of the spine. CES is relatively rare and affects about 1 in every 65 000 people.

Trying to process this in the hospital bed as I came out of the anesthesia was overwhelming, but there was one thought that towered over all the others - I could not feel, or move, my legs. They say every journey begins with a single step but my journey of learning to walk again started with hours of physical therapy to first gain enough control of my body to sit up, and it was weeks before I could even attempt that single step.

Through all of this I expected a physical toll, what I did not realize was the incredible financial toll it would take. One of the things I have learned is that the ongoing costs of being disabled, of surviving day to day, are very expensive. I have managed to cover these costs for two years but have reached the point of needing help.

I am asking for your help to cover some of my medical costs and for the cost of adaptive equipment required to modify my car so I can drive again.

Much love and big hugs,

Kurt

A donation of $7 will cover transport to physical therapy for one day. 

A donation of $14 will cover transport to physical therapy for one week. 

A donation of $56 will cover transport to physical therapy for a month. 

A donation of $160 will cover medical supplies for a month. 

A donation of $400 will cover health insurance for a week. 

A donation of $3000 will cover the cost of installing hand controls in my car so I can drive without having to use my legs.

Thank you.