Navigate Life After a Devastating Accident

You never think it will happen to you. I didn’t either. At 74, I was as active as ever—playing golf, biking, walking our dog, and strumming my guitar, which I’ve loved since childhood. But in the blink of an eye, all of that changed. It was my first time trying pickleball, just for fun, when I tripped over my own shoe and fell face-first into the net, breaking my neck and crushing my C5 vertebrae. I went from a healthy, vibrant man to paralyzed in seconds.

The doctors rushed me into surgery fusing from c2 to t1 in my neck. After being diagnosed me as a quadriplegic until further improvement is seen, I’m left with paralysis in my arms and legs. I need help with everything—eating, bathing, using the bathroom, even scratching an itch. What used to be the simplest tasks now require 24/7 assistance.

The accident has taken a devastating toll on my family. My wife, my rock of 15 years, has had to give up her 30+ year career to be by my side every day. We were supposed to be celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary in Portugal this year, but instead, we marked it in a hospital room. Our anniversary trip had to be canceled, and we’re still waiting for reimbursement. Fortunately, some friends have kindly opened their home to my wife for the time being, but she doesn’t want to overstay her welcome. Soon, she’ll have to find other accommodations, and the cost of staying at an Airbnb nearby averages $5,000 a month.

The mounting expenses are staggering—medical bills, parking fees, and the impending need to renovate our home to make it accessible. We recently bought a new vehicle, but I may never even get the chance to drive it. The uncertainty is heartbreaking, and the future feels terrifying. I don’t know if I’ll ever sleep in my own bed, shower in my bathroom, or enjoy the activities that once brought me so much joy.

With months of rehabilitation still ahead, I’m reaching out for help. Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a world of difference as we navigate these uncharted waters. Your support could help us cover the costs of my wife’s lodging, possible stem cell treatment, medical expenses, and necessary home modifications to give me a fighting chance of a normal life again.

Although we know that everything in this world is temporary and life can change in an instant, we believe it's still important to show wisdom and discernment in planning for unforeseen problems. We never expected something like this to happen, but now we find ourselves facing a situation that requires us to make difficult choices and prepare for the unknown. As we navigate this new reality, we want to be proactive and thoughtful in addressing the challenges ahead, ensuring that we can manage the ongoing costs and give ourselves the best possible chance for stability and healing.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any help you can offer.