My name is Levi, and I am 17-year-old who lives in Moncton, NB. On June 13, 2024, while celebrating the last day of school with my friends, I experienced a diving accident which resulted in a complete Spinal cord injury. I have C4/C5 quadriplegia.
This diagnosis has presented lots of challenges as one would imagine. Eating might seem like a simple task, but even before my accident I struggled to get enough calories. Now, it’s even harder because I get full so quickly. Having to wait between bites while someone feeds me means my food gets cold, and I lose my appetite before I can eat enough. I also don’t like to be fed in front of people because it makes me feel insecure and like people are staring at me.
I was given the opportunity to try the Obi feeding machine on Thanksgiving weekend this year. We had lots of family over and I was able to eat my first independent meal since the accident. With the Obi, I could eat continuously at my own pace, making it much easier to finish a full meal and get the calories I need. I like how easy it is to set up and eat a variety of foods from after school snacks (freeing my mom up to be able to prepare supper), to full meals with my family.
The Obi provided me with a level of independence while eating that I haven’t had since my accident. Being able to feed myself without getting tired or frustrated, at my own pace and without help, was incredibly freeing.
Mom, Kelly speaking:
November 22 marks the one-year anniversary of being home. Looking back over this past year, we are so grateful for the love and support that we have received from family, friends and the kindness of strangers.
A quick recap of the last year for those who don’t know. The week after we returned home, we went to Halifax to have some nerve and tendon transfers on Levi’s right arm in hopes of gaining movement down the road. Levi successfully returned to school part time in person in Jan and was able to complete his grade 11 year. The week after school was done, we headed to Stan Cassidy for further rehabilitation on some goals that he had set for himself. In late June, we went to Halifax for more nerve and tendon surgeries on his arms. The summer was spent recouping from surgery and preparing for full time in person school in September. This fall he has been working hard at full time in person school and meeting graduation goals. He has maintained his focus on Engineering for next year and hopes to be able to give back to others like him in the future.
Eating has been a constant goal and area that Levi has been working on. It is our ultimate hope that the nerve and tendon transfers will support enough movement for him to be able to use adapted cutlery one day. But, to see him be able to feed himself independently for the first time in over a year brought tears to my eyes. It can be so easy to take the little things in life for granted.
It is not lost on us that there is true power in a supportive community. Many people rallied around us just one year ago to do what seemed impossible by helping us purchase a $120k adaptive van to be able to bring him home in.
We humbly come to you again asking for your support to help us raise the $12,500 to purchase the Obi Robotic feeding device to assist Levi with his goal of feeding himself independently.
We appreciate any and all support. Every bit counts and every share helps reach more people. Thank you for all your love, prayers, kind comments, support and sharing our journey.
