Dear Family, Friends, and Kind Strangers,

I am reaching out to you today with a heavy heart but also with hope. For those of you who may not know, I had a spinal cord injury (Cauda Equina Syndrome) just over 3 years ago that left me permanently disabled. This life-upending tragedy has forced me to face immense challenges and obstacles. Despite my strength and resilience, my disability has taken quite the toll on my physical and mental health. My family can attest that taking care of me and helping me through his pain, grief, and sorrow has opened up mine and the rest of my family's eyes to how the world isn't built for the disabled and the financial burdens it carries. Did you know the first year of being a paraplegic costs over half a million dollars? And in my case, it costs just under $70,000 annually after the first year. Both these numbers include medical expenses and durable assistive equipment. (https://www.spinalcord.com/blog/what-is-the-real-spinal-cord-injury-cost).

My family and I are extremely grateful for everyone's support of my recovery and when one of my aunts started a fundraising campaign for me when he first got injured (04/2022). With your support, we were able to modify the inside and outside of our home, including building a ramp with a covered porch, making doorways wider, and cutting a doorway out of the wall so I have direct access to the restroom from my bedroom. We could not have gotten any of those house modifications done without your help. The same goes for all the assistive devices (shower chair, toilet chair, wheelchairs, and walkers).

I have been fighting an uphill battle since I became paraplegic. It hasn't been easy for me or any of my family that witnesses what I am still going through on a daily basis. Despite making huge strides in the last 3 years, the daily struggles I face make it difficult for me to accomplish my life goals, like finishing my doctotral degree, managing my mental and physical health, and accessing resources I need for therapy and rehabilitation.

So, this time I am reaching out for myself, in hopes that some of you are willing to support or continue to support me (via donation or sharing) through my journey of recovery. With your help, I am hoping to get help with tuition costs, obtaining more assistive equipment that has gotten damaged and/or needs replaced, and potentially fixing some damages to our ramp.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in my life. It’s not just about financial support; it’s about the emotional support as well. Your generosity (whether sharing or donating, or both) will bring us closer and closer to helping me rightfully regain my independence and with hope, some of my happiness.

Cost estimates:

- $2,500 will get me back into school

- $3,500 will get me back into school and obtain several assistive devices such as, a new walker, cane, toilet chair, and shower chair, and in-home rehab equipment.

-$4,500 will get me all of the above and help repair some damages to our ramp that have occured over the past few years. It would also get me some help to travel to doctor's appointments out of town.

I speak for myself, and my family, when I say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness and support.

With love and gratitude,

David Shearer