Help Gary and his family

Gary lives in Sevierville, TN with his wife, Ginger. Their daughters (Christy Murchison & Sara Murphy), sons (in law - Alex and Brandon) and four wonderful grandchildren live nearby.

Gary, aka ‘Portwood’ (as affectionately called by some), is known for being a hard-working individual who is very dedicated to his family and willing to help anyone. On a more personal level, anyone who knows him understands he is a man who has strong convictions on things he feels passionate about and absolutely NEVER meets a stranger. He is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet and often has a smile on his face. If you know Portwood’s family, you know they are very close and love nothing more than spending time together. Between serving his family and others, when time allows, Gary also enjoys deer hunting.

July 15th, 2024 started just like any other day in service to his family but ended with a tragic event. Gary went to Sara's to retrieve a scaffold that was needed at Christy’s house. Sadly, the board on the scaffold broke and he fell approximately 10-15 feet on to what essentially is a slab of sold rock. He lay on the ground unable to move or yell for help for what surely felt like an eternity. Sara found him injured and he was transported to UT Medical in Knoxville, TN by ambulance. Gary then had extensive surgery on his neck and back requiring him to stay in ICU for a week. The fall resulted in a serious spinal cord injury from C3-T1 of his vertebrae. The herniation of those discs caused the most damage to his spinal cord beginning at C6. The injury has left Gary unable to move below his chest; he can move his arms but cannot move his fingers and he has sensory feeling in his legs. After much prayer and Gary’s stabilization, he was transported by ambulance to The Shepherd Center (TSC), a renowned spinal cord injury rehabilitation center in Atlanta, Georgia. While at TSC, Gary will undergo extensive physical and occupational therapies and various other therapies to re-teach his brain and nerves to allow for movement. TSC will also teach Gary how to adapt to his new lifestyle. He and Ginger are expected to stay at TSC in Atlanta for 3 months.

Faith is important to Gary and his family. Gary’s faith is strong and his outlook and attitude is optimistic. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” and God has been faithful as always. God has performed small miracles witnessed by many who know and have cared for Gary since his injury. (Isaiah 41:10 says “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”). Ginger’s favorite line is “God is good.” Yes, He is…all the time.

As you can imagine the financial impact has been and will continue to be overwhelming. Current and future expenses include, but are not limited to, the expense of Ginger remaining in Atlanta with Gary during this difficult time; multiple modifications to their home to allow Gary to be self-sufficient as much as possible when he is released from TSC; the future need for further medical treatment and supplies is unknown and potentially unlimited; and, possibly the need of a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Gary has always been the primary earner for his family so current income is unattainable and future income is uncertain at this time; and, his health insurance will expire at some point in the near future (Ginger has been informed disability insurance, if approved, does not kick in immediately in spite of the extent of Gary’s injuries and can take up to 2 years for coverage). Ginger is a rock for Gary and has been faithfully by his side since the accident and when he goes home, she will be his primary caretaker, making her unable to work.

Now more than ever, Gary and Ginger need a loving community to encourage and pray for them through this long, difficult recovery process. He and his loved ones are very thankful for your thoughts and covet your prayers for his recovery and any possible future concerns. And, because of the expenses and the unknown outcome (for the Lord only knows His will for Gary’s life) they also need some help financially during this season. Let's please work together to lower as many stressors and barriers to recovery! Please donate any amount you can to this fund; if you cannot donate, please commit to daily prayer for Gary and his loved ones and his medical providers (and please remember to also pray for the many other patients at TSC and their families as they are suffering during a difficult time as well).

If you prefer to write a check for your donation, make the check payable to Christina Murchison and mail to:

Christina Murchison

1825 Rays Gap Rd.

Sevierville, TN

Let us all remember the words of James 1:2-4 - “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”