Fundraising Campaign to Raise $7,000 for purchases of Adaptive Personal Items and Equipment - Arranged by friend's of Gwen and her family and coordinated by a goup of dedicated people from the Sundance community. But we need more help in order for this to materizlize for Gwen.

The Story:

Gwen is a vibrant 19 year old young-lady. She always wanted a truck. She had her heart set on a four wheel drive vehicle. It was a good match for her passions - hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and off trail adventures. She was so excited when she achieved her goal & purchased her truck this past summer.

On October 13th, on a ride into town, Gwen’s truck skidded and flipped. It landed on her breaking her back in two places. She has a T-10 spinal cord injury and is paralyzed from her belly button down. The good news is that this type of injury means that Gwen has solid upper body strength. With continued healing, physical therapy, and the correct equipment, Gwen has the mobility and capacity to create an independent life.

A Reflection from Gwen (This is being shared with Gwen’s permission.)

I miss being able to walk, I miss being able to feel a soft cozy blanket, or a soft rug on my feet, or the feeling of grass between my toes or sand grains making their way through them, I miss being able to run, skip, jump ect..

Before my accident I took my legs for granted, I thought they were ugly and never admired them, I never knew how it'd feel to be completely unable to move them. I never even imagined I'd be without them.

Now that I physically can’t move my legs I miss everything about them. I hate how I never admired them. I can truthfully say I'm proud of how many miles they took me from the first time I’ve ever took a step til now. I’m very sad on how much mass my legs have lost and I’m even more sad on how I can’t physically feel them anymore.. and how it feels like I forgot how to move them or how it even felt to move them at all Everytime I try I close my eyes and I imagine they are moving when in reality they aren’tMan y’all cherish what god put you on this earth with, be thankful for your bodies from head to toes cause it’s truthfully challenging living life with legs that don’t work knowing they once allowed me to walk Earth

Gwen’s mom has secured tribal housing that has been used by their family for many years. The family is waiting for plumbing and utilities to be connected. We are working hard to raise money for the following items.

Money is needed for:

adaptive bed (an 11” purple mattress and adjustable bed frame - $3000)

a Medical Deluxe Hydraulic Lift ($800)

a Purple Royal Seat Cushion for her wheelchair ($250)

additional construction needs (materials, $2000)

retrofitting the house (bathroom, grab bars, etc. - $300)

a chimney kit for the woodstove that has been purchased to heat the house ($250)

*These estimates are based on comparative pricing and include approximate costs for shipping.

Gwen has always loved the challenge of proving she can reach any goal she sets for herself. The immediate goals she has in front of require her to tap into her will power & courage in ways she never imagined. We are asking for your help. Please join us in trying to raise $7,000 to help purchase the equipment Gwen needs to move into the family’s new home.