Sterling's Quest

Sterling's Story:

My name is Sterling Silverman. On December 28th, 2011, when I had just turned fifteen, I became a paraplegic due to a tethered spinal cord that was causing symptoms to my legs and risking my life. I had two surgeries, the second of which was due to a failing of the first. This caused further paralysis to my chest, a lack of feeling to seventy-five percent of my body including my left arm, and a heart condition that causes me to become Tachycardic. I’m currently in college working towards a computer science degree with the intention to eventually start a career in the game design field.

During my ten years with a spinal cord injury, I’ve been attempting to become as independent as possible by going through the different motions of learning how to do mundane tasks that would normally be easy with the right equipment or legs. Physical and Occupational therapy is an off-and-on occurrence that helps me restrengthen and learn new ways to function. With my health finally becoming stable this get’s easier every year. Though setbacks do occur due to the stress using only my arms has on my body, as well as the other medical problems that come with an SCI.

While working towards this goal, I also creatively cosplay and costume in the steampunk community and attend conventions. Together, a friend and I have come up with a character to go with her original creation. Asgard is an Automaton trying to learn the different ways about human life while her mechanic, Lady Wheelsworth (my character), communicates for her while interacting with convention goers. We also do panels when scheduled based on costume detailing, disability history, and an immersion panel while in character. One goal we have is to spread advocacy and awareness about accessibility at conventions while also showing adaptability in costumes for those who would like tips in regards to making costumes/props in a different way.

Goals for this Fundraiser:

My name is Daniel Gonzales, and I first met Sterling as my student when she was training in martial arts. It was during that time that she developed the symptoms that would change her life forever.

Despite hindrances in the very simplest life activities that most people take for granted, she continues to thrive as an amazing being, living fully and not content to simply remain passive. She has a zest for life, and, as evidenced by her activity in the steampunk community, she shares not only her passion and creativity, but uses the opportunity as a platform to spread awareness and initiate change.

As determined as she is, I still witness the impact these limitations have. Insurance does not cover many of the basic tools that will allow her to live more independently and allow her to be her most productive. The simple acts of wheeling her own chair and pulling herself up to lift herself in and out of her chair to ride in a vehicle put undue strain on her shoulders and resulted in injury. Her father has been her primary caretaker throughout her journey, and while no one could ask for a better companion, when the day comes that he is no longer around to transport her, Sterling will be left without a means of being able to transport herself.

The main objective of this fundraiser is to provide adequate means of transportation so that Sterling will be able to drive herself. This will not only further her in her quest for independence but will also alleviate much of the physical strain and toll of being hoisted in and out of vehicles that are not adapted for those with physical disabilities.

Any funds raised beyond the goal for the transportation will be used to help further Sterling in her quest for independence and address medical needs that continuously arise, including providing Sterling with access to a swimming pool with disability access both in and out of the pool so she can benefit from physical therapy in water. She recently attended a session, with assistance, in a community pool, and it was the first time that she has been able to stand up in over 10 years.

We believe that these basic experiences of life should not be limited to due to a lack of available tools and resources, and seek to help this inspirational person along their journey.

Thank you for your support in this endeavour, and also, if you are aware of further resources available, please do not hesitate to contact us.