Andrew Maercklein - Support paralyzed 25 y.o

Andrew had just returned home from living abroad with his girlfriend in Puerto Rico when his life completely changed. He was enjoying the last days of summer by swimming in a local lake in Connecticut. There was a severe drought in August 2022, which Andrew was unaware of. Andrew’s life changed in a matter of seconds when he dove headfirst into the water like he had done countless times before. His head hit the hard sand and knocked him unconscious for several seconds. Andrew was rescued from drowning by his girlfriend’s father. He was transported to the hospital where he had emergency spinal surgery.

Andrew has a teardrop fracture in his C7 vertebrae and is paralyzed from the chest down. He has movement in his arms and most movement in his hands but is unable to move his legs. Andrew has been told he will never walk again and will need years of PT and OT once he leaves rehab. He is 25 years old and will soon be removed from his father’s insurance (Americans can only stay on their parent’s health insurance until the age of 26). His family is working tirelessly with their insurance to extend his rehabilitation coverage, although insurance wants him to return home.

Andrew has always been an adventurer, trying to cross off as many things from his bucket list as possible. He is one of the most active people you’ll ever meet and is beyond determined to get his legs back and start the process of healing.

Please help Andrew and his family with his medical bills so he can focus on walking again!