Help Steve's Recovery (Paralyzed)

Steve Stark is a husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

On April 10, 2015, Steve was in an accident that crushed and fractured parts of his spinal cord, resulting in T5 complete paraplegia. He is now unable to feel or move his legs and any part of his body from his mid-to-lower ribcage downward.

The coming weeks, months, and years will present massive life changes for Steve, his family, and his dedicated wife of 38 years, Rhonda.

These changes will also come with significant financial burdens.

Steve has served so many throughout his life. As his family, it's now our turn to serve him—and we need your help.

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ABOUT STEVE
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Steve with his newborn granddaughter (2013)


If you had to sum up Steve's life in one word, it would be SERVICE.

His entire life has been dedicated to serving those around him: his family, his country, and his God.

As one with a true servant's heart, Steve has dedicated his life to service to others. For example, Steve:

● Dedicated 20+ years to international education and Christian missions with NICS/OASIS , directly and indirectly serving people from Korea to Kenya to Boliva to Afghanistan.

● As part of his time with NICS, spearheaded service projects in Thailand to help students, the local community, and the underprivileged.

● Mentored students as a public school teacher in rural Alabama.

● Served his country in the U.S. Navy, being posted in both Okinawa, Japan and the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.


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WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP
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Much is unknown right now and we don't fully know what costs will be incurred, nor what insurance or other programs may pay for.

But what is certain is that Steve is facing months of recovery—and a changed life. Anything you donate will be well used and gratefully received.

Possible upcoming expenses include, but are not limited to:

● Medical transport from his hospital in Little Rock to a rehabilitation hospital in Houston, which may run as high as $7000+. [UPDATE - Due to the generosity you have shown us, we were able to pay the full air ambulance fees without anxiety and make this happen for Steve!]

● Renovating Steve and Rhonda's current house to be wheelchair friendly and handicap accessible—and more generally, providing equipment and living spaces which allow Steve maximum comfort, safety, and independence—which may run in the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. [UPDATE - Many individuals contributed time, sweat, and resources to modify our home. The house is now a far more welcoming place for Steve in his wheelchair. Thank you!]

● Costs to purchase a new vehicle that is adapted for Steve's new condition, either as a driver and/or for wheelchair accessibility. Again, costs could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. [UPDATE - With much thanks, we were able to purchase a handicap-accessible van for Steve. Of course, we now have ongoing monthly payments, but it is a blessing to have a means of transportation for Steve.]

● Possible out-of-pocket expenses for medical or caregiver services additional to what insurance may pay for, which could also potentially add tens of thousands of dollars in the coming months or years.


Again, these are only examples of possible expenses, since much is yet unknown.

But whatever lies ahead, the goal is simple: to help Steve resume a healthy, independent, and productive life.

Thank you for your love, prayers, and support!


— Steve's Family