Robbie's Amazing Road to Recovery

ROBBIE McCLUSKEY, PARALYZED AT AGE 20

While welcoming in the 2014 summer, Robbie McCluskey, 20, was in a severe longboarding accident in the Lake George area of New York. Although he was in full helmet and pads, the accident was severe enough to fracture the top six bones of his spinal cord. This demanded immediate surgery which was completed at Albany Medical Center. The immediate result of the injury was near complete paralysis of his body (his condition is referred to as SCI). He spent a total of 16 days in Albany, most of which were in the ICU, before being transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown, MA. He spent three months in rehab and has recovered to the point of being in a manual wheelchair, having the ability to dress himself, although very slowly, as well as accomplish certain other daily tasks independently. He continues to make an effort to recover by going to outpatient rehab three days a week along with trips to Journey Forward in Canton, MA twice a week. Journey Forward is a gym where trainers, who work with SCI patients, have an intense workout plan to help make the recovery process quicker and more effective. The ride to Journey Forward is 1.5 hours each way which makes for a long day and unfortunately is one of many expenses not covered by insurance. 

The McCluskey family has paid for an accessible van, his Hoyer lift and costly home remodeling. George, Robbie and Mary are paying out of pocket for Journey Forward, which costs $1600-1800 per month.  The Robert E McCluskey Irrevocable Trust which has been  established, is a disability trust targeted at his future needs, things like personal care, adaptive sports equipment and rehabilitation gear that may not be deemed medically necessary, travel expenses and things that will make his life full, comfortable and meaningful.  GO FUND ME contributions will be directed to the trust.  The funds will be available for whatever he needs but the goal is to keep it as a growing financial resource, as this is a lifelong challenge, with evolving necessities including access to new technology for SCI recovery.  According to the Christopher Reeve Foundation the lifetime cost for this level of injury is $3.3 million.  Even with insurance, the family has concerns about meeting this financial demand.  

"We have no idea what the next treatment might be that will insure him greater ability, or what financial resources that may require. 







Please understand that we are independent people.  We earn what we spend and work hard to do so.  It is not comfortable to ask for help. We are deeply grateful for past support from friends we know, those we have yet to meet and compassionate people everywhere who understand our situation. We hope others will be generous in their support through this website.  We thank you for your prayers, acts of caring and generosity."

Sincerely, Mary, George, Alex and Robbie McCluskey.