I am Paula Key, a pastor's wife, who got involved with Nathaniel through his grandmother, Sue Hobson, who goes to our church here in the Valley of Texas. Nathaniel's story has been one of the biggest miracles I have ever witnessed! This is not just a miracle in the making - this is a miracle after miracle after miracle happening almost on a daily basis as Nathaniel trusts God and works as hard as he can together with God's helpers to regain the use of his body. His grandmother explains Nathaniel's story:

On July 5th, 2022, our 17 year old grandson Nathaniel suffered a spinal cord injury breaking his neck (C5 and C6) while diving in for a swim on their Iowa farm pond. His 13 year old brother Nelson, Praise God, pulled him out of the water, saving his life.

After 2 spinal operations and almost three weeks in the Pediatric Intensive Care at University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Nathaniel with his mom Lisa, our daughter, by his side as she had been throughout, was transferred by ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids for 3 months of intensive inpatient physical therapy and rehab. When Nathaniel entered rehab, he was paralyzed below the waist, could not sit up, turn over or feed himself. Thanks be to God, with prayers of thousands of faithful prayer warriors, the great work of his therapists, Nathaniel’s perseverance, and God’s great mercy and healing power, he has made miraculous improvements in his mobility! He and Lisa finally returned home on October 18, 2022.

Nathaniel uses a manual wheelchair and walker to get around at home and school ½ days each week. He does outpatient therapy twice a week and swim therapy twice a week and is now able to swim! He is looking forward to competing in the Iowa High School Para Swimming Division this winter! He is also on the High School Archery Team. Previous to his accident, Nathaniel competed in High School Cross Country, Swimming, Archery, Golf, and participated in Marching and Concert Band. He is also an avid fisherman, turkey and deer hunter. Unfortunately at their home in the farmland of Iowa, there is no hard surface, just gravel and uneven grass and hilly terrain, making it impossible to get around safely anywhere outside without a Track Chair made for such terrain, (see picture), which is not covered by insurance. With needed accessories, the cost is $17,500.

Our family would appreciate any amount you feel led to contribute to allow Nathaniel the freedom to get around outdoors.

Thank you and God bless you!