Title:
Help Steve Reclaim His Independence: A Journey of Perseverance Against All Odds
Introduction:
Imagine fighting every day to walk again after a life-altering accident, only to have that victory stolen by yet another tragic event. Steve Gimopoulos has spent decades battling severe physical and emotional trauma, but despite all odds, he has never given up. Steve’s resilience shines through every hardship, but now he faces one last obstacle to regain his independence: he needs a specialized handicap-accessible van to live a full, active and purposeful life once more. Your support, whether large or small, can help to make this reality happen. As friends of Steve we are committed to get him the help he needs.
Story:
Steve’s journey has been a story of resilience and courage. Originally from Manchester, NH, Steve moved to Florida in 1980 and built a successful career in the car business. He loves outdoor activities, boating, and the vibrant life he shared with his family and loved ones.
In July 2001, Steve's life changed in the blink of an eye. While on a boat outing, during a freak change of tide and current, he dove into shallow water and tragically broke his neck (C4, C5, C6, C7), leaving him completely motionless and paralyzed from the neck down to drown in the water. In that moment Steve prayed to God. Luckily, loved ones saw him and were able to rescue him to safety. His unwavering faith in God gave him the courage to carry on. As Steve Prayed, God spared him. Later on medical professionals assessed the damage. Doctors told him he would never walk again. But, Steve was determined. Through intensive and rigorous physical therapy, hard work, and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Steve eventually regained the ability to walk again after 9 years of rigorous dedication. Although strenuous and difficult, he made it work using a wheelchair occasionally, a walker and later crutches—a feat few thought would ever be possible again.
But in 2015, another tragedy struck. While at home, in his driveway, sitting in his wheelchair, he was accidentally struck by an SUV, resulting in the devastating amputation of his left leg, it was his strongest limb. This setback crushed Steve, both literally and figuratively, but his resolve and faith never wavered. Despite enduring a long difficult recovery and intense doubt and depression, he refused to give up on life.
As Steve started to regain his footing again, Hurricane Helene struck Florida, flooding and ultimately destroying his only means of true independence: his fully custom and specialized handicapped-accessible van. Without full coverage insurance on this custom vehicle, he lost it completely, a van essential to his mobility and quality of life.
For decades, Steve has refused to ask anyone for help, with grit and determination he has managed to continue pushing through these setbacks all by himself. Never complaining. Never reaching out. Now, after much hesitation and reluctance Steve's friends have urged him to allow them to help. Steve has finally agreed to let his friends rally around him for the first time in his life and help him get the tools he needs to reclaim his independence and purpose. With your support, we can raise $50,000 to obtain for Steve the specialized handicap-accessible van and equipment he lost in the storm, including the swivel loading chair, manual hand held driving controls that will assure him to regain his dignity and freedom necessary to continue living a meaningful and purpose driven life. From breaking his neck being paralyzed from the neck down, to the accident years later causing the amputation of his leg, your donation, no matter how large or small, will help tremendously. Even sharing his story could help his friends bring Steve closer to being able to live a joyful life he deserves.
Your Support Will Help Steve:
- Purchase a specialized handicap-accessible van with a swivel driver’s seat and side ramp for safe, easy and independent transportation.
- Replace other medical equipment lost in the storm, essential for his comfort and mobility.
- Cover necessary expenses related to mobility equipment and essential living needs.
- Regain the ability to participate in life and engage with his community, lifting his spirits and providing him a sense of purpose once again.
Conclusion:
Steve’s strength and determination have carried him through unimaginable hardships most of us could never imagine. After all he’s endured, he now needs help to continue his journey. A contribution to this campaign is not just an act of kindness; it’s a lifeline that will empower a good man who was full of life and joy to live with dignity and independence. Please join us in supporting Steve’s resilience and giving him a chance at a brighter future. Anything helps. This is a man who deserves this.
Call to Action:
Your donation, no matter the amount, brings Steve one step closer to mobility, freedom, hope and purpose. Please consider donating today and sharing this campaign with others to help us reach our goal. Together, we can give Steve a new lease on life.
Thank you, and God Bless.