Help Mel Doctolero walk again
Donation protected
Aloha everyone,
It breaks my heart to type this. We have never found the need to reach out and ask for financial help but here we are.
On April 1, 2021, Mel was driving on the fairway at Southern Highlands Golf Club where he is an Equipment Manager. While doing his daily rounds on the utility cart he suddenly saw a bunker (sand trap) in front of him. These bunkers are hard to see when you are on the fairway, he tried to avoid it but it was too late. The cart rolled and he landed in the bunker with the utility cart on top of him. He suffered a 6” gash on the back of his head which required stitches and staples along with multiple life-altering neck and spinal fractures.
On April 5th, he underwent spinal surgery to stabilize the fractures he has along his cervical and thoracic vertebrae. Mel is currently in a neck/chest brace and unable to move from his chest down. He is capable of moving both arms to feed himself (with some help) but he cannot move his legs, yet. There is tingling and numbness in both legs and he can slightly feel some areas when touched. Even though these injuries are devastating, Mel is incredibly determined to return to his normal active life.
We are doing our best to remain positive on this journey to recovery. Unfortunately, one very insensitive doctor told us that most people who suffer from this type of injury do not walk again. I asked this doctor, "but there is still a chance, right?” His blatant answer was, "most don’t.” After hearing that negative statement, another doctor told us that there IS hope and to not give up. Mel is NOT giving up and will do everything in his power to recover fully. However, Las Vegas does not have any facilities that specialize in these types of injuries. To get the best care, we need to travel out of state.
We were just approved to be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. This is an innovative research & rehabilitation center that exclusively specializes in spine and brain injuries. Mel will go through physical and occupational therapy to help him regain the use of his legs, body functions, and daily activities. They will also teach me how to care for him should he need assistance in the long run. Mel has never been someone that just sits around. He was always working or helping someone with something. He loved to keep busy, paddle boarding and bowling, and hopes to return to all of his usual activities. We are very hopeful and determined. Mel WILL walk again and get his independence back.
This rehabilitation will take him away from his home, family, and friends in Nevada and further away from his family in Hawaii. The doctors estimate it could take a minimum of 6-8 months for him to recover. I will be traveling with him to Colorado via medical air transport and staying with him for at least the first month. I hope to be able to stay throughout his entire recovery, however long that should take. I believe support from his Ohana (family) and friends will greatly help him during his recovery.
The funds from this account will help subsidize expenses incurred from Mel's medical care, rehabilitation therapy, travel, and living expense during this rough road to a FULL recovery. I have estimated a goal of 10k which would be $1250 per month for for the first 8 months of recovery.
Lastly, for those who do not know me, I am Mel’s partner (girlfriend). We met six years ago through a mutual friend. I lost my husband to cancer 10yrs before meeting Mel and I swore did not want to be in a relationship again. Well...Mel was very persistent and patient. He made me realize that your heart can grow and learn to love again in many different ways. For example, if I pointed out, say a beautiful rock, that rock would be on the counter the next day for me. It was all the little things he did for me that won my heart. I love him dearly and it hurts my heart to see him in this condition. I will do everything in my power to help him through this. I got you babe! We are stronger together!
Any donation, big or small, is GREATLY appreciated.
Through Love, Hope and Faith we will get through this. HE>I
Thank you so much for your support.
Love and Aloha Always,
Dana Kanaka’ole
It breaks my heart to type this. We have never found the need to reach out and ask for financial help but here we are.
On April 1, 2021, Mel was driving on the fairway at Southern Highlands Golf Club where he is an Equipment Manager. While doing his daily rounds on the utility cart he suddenly saw a bunker (sand trap) in front of him. These bunkers are hard to see when you are on the fairway, he tried to avoid it but it was too late. The cart rolled and he landed in the bunker with the utility cart on top of him. He suffered a 6” gash on the back of his head which required stitches and staples along with multiple life-altering neck and spinal fractures.
On April 5th, he underwent spinal surgery to stabilize the fractures he has along his cervical and thoracic vertebrae. Mel is currently in a neck/chest brace and unable to move from his chest down. He is capable of moving both arms to feed himself (with some help) but he cannot move his legs, yet. There is tingling and numbness in both legs and he can slightly feel some areas when touched. Even though these injuries are devastating, Mel is incredibly determined to return to his normal active life.
We are doing our best to remain positive on this journey to recovery. Unfortunately, one very insensitive doctor told us that most people who suffer from this type of injury do not walk again. I asked this doctor, "but there is still a chance, right?” His blatant answer was, "most don’t.” After hearing that negative statement, another doctor told us that there IS hope and to not give up. Mel is NOT giving up and will do everything in his power to recover fully. However, Las Vegas does not have any facilities that specialize in these types of injuries. To get the best care, we need to travel out of state.
We were just approved to be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. This is an innovative research & rehabilitation center that exclusively specializes in spine and brain injuries. Mel will go through physical and occupational therapy to help him regain the use of his legs, body functions, and daily activities. They will also teach me how to care for him should he need assistance in the long run. Mel has never been someone that just sits around. He was always working or helping someone with something. He loved to keep busy, paddle boarding and bowling, and hopes to return to all of his usual activities. We are very hopeful and determined. Mel WILL walk again and get his independence back.
This rehabilitation will take him away from his home, family, and friends in Nevada and further away from his family in Hawaii. The doctors estimate it could take a minimum of 6-8 months for him to recover. I will be traveling with him to Colorado via medical air transport and staying with him for at least the first month. I hope to be able to stay throughout his entire recovery, however long that should take. I believe support from his Ohana (family) and friends will greatly help him during his recovery.
The funds from this account will help subsidize expenses incurred from Mel's medical care, rehabilitation therapy, travel, and living expense during this rough road to a FULL recovery. I have estimated a goal of 10k which would be $1250 per month for for the first 8 months of recovery.
Lastly, for those who do not know me, I am Mel’s partner (girlfriend). We met six years ago through a mutual friend. I lost my husband to cancer 10yrs before meeting Mel and I swore did not want to be in a relationship again. Well...Mel was very persistent and patient. He made me realize that your heart can grow and learn to love again in many different ways. For example, if I pointed out, say a beautiful rock, that rock would be on the counter the next day for me. It was all the little things he did for me that won my heart. I love him dearly and it hurts my heart to see him in this condition. I will do everything in my power to help him through this. I got you babe! We are stronger together!
Any donation, big or small, is GREATLY appreciated.
Through Love, Hope and Faith we will get through this. HE>I
Thank you so much for your support.
Love and Aloha Always,
Dana Kanaka’ole
Co-organizers (2)
Dana Kanakaole
Organizer
Las Vegas, NV
Melvin Doctolero
Co-organizer