Help Ed Beedle Navigate the Road to Recovery

On July 12th, in the blink of an eye, Edward Beedle’s life was turned upside down.

Ed is our brother … our father … our husband … our friend. For so many of us, Ed has been at the center of the happiness, joy, and fun of our lives. An optimistic and joyful leader as we journey down life’s road.

While on vacation with his family, swimming in the surf of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Ed suffered a devastating spinal injury. Instantly, he lost all feeling from his neck down. Immobile in the crashing waves, without the swift actions of family, friends, and compassionate strangers, we would have lost him right there.

In the critical hours after the accident, scores of incredible men and women gave Ed the attention and care he desperately needed. And after being seen by spinal specialists and surgeons, it was clear…

That day in July would be the first step of a long and difficult journey.

Ed underwent surgery for a fractured vertebrae, spent significant time in the ICU, and then was transported to Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia, where he has received intense physical therapy seven days a week.

The road ahead is long. Everyday activities — operating a phone, using a remote, feeding and drinking — are monumental tasks.

And now … much too soon … the in-patient daily rehabilitation has ended. Ed has come home. Even though he is happy to return to familiar surroundings, the hard truth is that he and Jane face a towering mountain of new expenses and necessities:

Much of this is either not covered by insurance, or the coverage limits have been met.

What makes this fight so critical and urgent is that — though the journey ahead is long, there is real hope. His spinal cord is intact. Recovery is possible. But only with sustained, ongoing therapy and care.

Ed fights this battle with an amazing positive attitude and extraordinary spirit. To those of us that know and love him — this is no surprise. Throughout his life Ed has always brought us together with his joy and positivity.

Now it’s time for us to come together for him.

Our hope … our plea … is that the many people with whom Ed has crossed paths over the years will support him at this crucial time. Whether you know him as a family member, school classmate, fellow soccer or ice hockey player, fraternity brother, coach, work colleague, or neighbor, Ed likely touched your life and became a friend along the way.

Will you help us?

Please consider a monetary gift, so that Ed and Jane can navigate this difficult road to recovery. And then spread the word. Help us expand and strengthen the circle of love and support that surrounds Ed. With your help, the challenges ahead are less daunting, the constant stress of financial disaster is lessened, and this long, difficult journey will have a happy ending.

#RecoveryForEd