Help Our Dad After Tragic Motorcycle Accident

On a Friday evening, the start of July 4th weekend, our dad Simo embarked on a motorcycle ride near his home in the Berkshire Mountains. This excursion turned tragic when a deer suddenly jumped into the road, causing our dad to quickly swerve out of the way. He was thrown from his bike into a ditch. Trapped and unable to move, he thought he was left for dead until a nearby homeowner heard his cries for help and called 911.

When we arrived at Baystate Medical Center’s ICU the next day, we were devastated to learn that our dad had broken multiple vertebrae in his neck and back. The doctors told us that our dad had suffered what is medically known as a "complete" spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed from the chest down. It is unknown if he will ever regain his ability to walk again.

Flash forward four months later, insurance coverage is running out, and he is facing mounting medical bills. Because of his paraplegic state, our father has lost everything: his job as a professional chef, his home, which was included in his job post, and most of his savings. Since, at the moment, he does not have access to handicapped-accessible housing and his insurance will no longer cover his stay at the rehab hospital, he was recently moved to a nursing home.

Dad wants to move forward but lacks the funds needed to get his life back on track. He needs help affording a home that is ADA compliant or can be made wheelchair accessible. While it is uncertain what kind of employment he will eventually have, he will also need a modified vehicle to continue leading as independent a life as possible.

To say that our dad has always been an active outdoors person would be an understatement. A native of Finland, he was thrilled when he landed his dream job several years ago as the executive chef and club manager at a private club in the Berkshires. Here he was able to pursue his dual passions. First, he could build upon his career, including working as executive chef at the Swedish and Canadian missions to the United Nations in New York City. Second, he could enjoy his most beloved outdoor activities. Whether foraging in the woods for wild mushrooms, working as a ski instructor at Jiminy Peak Mountain or building outdoor ice sculptures, our dad was indeed in his element.

Now our dad’s medical circumstances have forced him to shift from an active, independent lifestyle to increased dependence on others, medication and specialized equipment. Our dad has always had a sunny and optimistic disposition. He is fighting hard to remain positive despite not knowing if he will regain feeling in his legs.

We would be so grateful if you could help our dad with his housing, medical bills and other significant expenses so he can focus on healing and creating a future where he can live as independently and fully as possible with dignity.

Hanna and Sofia Kuusisto