Support Luke Spinato's Journey to Walk Again

**Update 4/12/25**

As a 17 year old boy you feel that you have the power to do anything, go anywhere and moreover, you feel like you're indestructible. As we grow up, most of us look back and ask ourselves...how the hell did I ever survive some of those decisions I made.

Well Luke is that 17 year old and he, along with all his buddies, had plans and they were all on their way to fulfilling those dreams… until that night on July 4th 2024. As Lukes group of friends were all hanging out on the water, where they frequented and swam often, Luke dove off the dock the way he always did but this time, this dive, this shift of fate, Luke hit the bottom in a way that broke his neck. His friends thought he was joking as he floated face down in the water. Luke tells us that he thought he had died and that if this was death, it sucked. But then he realized he was holding his breath and couldn't move. Laughing, his friends waded out and turned him over only to discover that he was not joking. Working fast, they stabilized him on a boogie board and called for help.

This accident altered the course of so many lives that night, but Luke's especially. As his plans are put on hold, Luke begins his new journey of extremely hard work that pushes him to the edge both mentally and physically each waking moment. For the past 9 months, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week he fights to regain what he lost that July 4th day. That accident left him a quadriplegic with the small use of his right arm. Over the course of these past 9 months he has worked himself out of a power wheelchair, regained movement in both arms with some tricep restrictions and has been able to start to engage his core which is a key function towards walking and balance.

This fight is real. The little things we take for granted can be snatched from us in an instant leaving the world we knew behind. It is chaos and hard work. It is relying on the help from others. Lori and I are with Luke each day and watch his struggles, his hurdles, his desperations, his humiliation and his sadness. We help with showering, bathroom, transferring, dressing and getting food ready for him. Things you and I rarely even think about but just do. Through all of it, we often see this incredible determination along with his good attitude. In his bright blue eyes you see fire and will power. Luke IS going to walk again and regain what he has lost. You can see it in those eyes.

He is playing the long game, in a marathon with miles to go, but all of us are in it with Luke. We are with him when he is walking in the Exso, when he is struggling to sit up, when he is in a foreign land getting stem cell treatments or in a hyperbaric chamber forcing more oxygen into his body for quicker recovery. When he is at the gym with his friends, who kidnap him the minute he gets home from other therapies. When you think about him, send him good vibes, prayers and love, when you donate to his GFM, visit or send him a card, text or email, YOU are with him. He feels it all and with every sentiment and donation, no matter how big or small, it helps to push him a little more, enabling us all to continue on this unexpected road. He wants you to know that he appreciates the support and he is going to continue to push himself. I know we have said it before, but we will never begin to express the immense gratitude we have for the unending support. It has humbled us. This village that has surrounded us is amazing and one that we feel blessed to have beside us.

Regards,

Paul Spinato

**Update***.

We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for all the love and support you have shown Luke and our family over the last few months. Luke continues to make strides to recovery and we are continuing to explore every therapy and resource available. Even on those really hard days, Luke continues to show up and face every challenge with grit and determination (and of course always with some laughter and a smile that lights up the room), never losing sight of his goal.

As we prepare to move home, after spending the last 4 months in Richmond, receiving the best care and rehab at Sheltering Arms, we are exploring all the treatments, therapies, resources available to aid in Luke's recovery. We are currently in consultations to begin two new therapies, while these therapies are not "new" in the medical field, they unfortunately are not covered by insurance.

The first is Stem Cell Therapy through the MAYO Clinic, here is an article explaining how it can benefit Spinal Cord injuries MAYO Clinic Stem Cell Therapy

The other is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Tier 1 Therapy Centers.

He will also be continuing rehab with Monarch Therapy and the Kaizan Gym. We know that the state of the art therapies Luke has received have made a huge impact on his progress thus far. The addition of these other therapies, still relatively close to his injury date, are key in continuing this progress.

We will never be able to adequately express our gratitude for the amount of outpouring of love, support, well wishes, and prayers we have received during the last 4 months. Through your donations we have been able to focus on Luke's recovery and provide him with the best care and resources. Our hearts are forever grateful. There is still a long and winding road ahead for Luke; but our goal as a family is to continue to make his recovery our top priority.

Any extra help in this endeavor would surely be an invaluable asset for a spectacular kid! The impact of your love, prayers, generosity is felt daily, and for that we thank you and hold each of you in our hearts.

With all our love and gratitude,

The Spinato Family

On July 4th Luke Spinato dove into the Currituck Sound, misjudging the depth of the water level, Luke hit the bottom head first which instantly rendered him unable to move. Fortunately, his friend Maddie noticed and turned him over so he could breathe. Noah, Maddie, and Lauren saved Luke’s life by keeping him above water and stable until emergency services arrived. He was then airlifted to Norfolk General by way of Nightingale.

Luke was unable to feel or move anything below his waist and had very little sensation in his upper body. He was immediately taken for an MRI where it was discovered Luke fractured his neck(C5) and back (T7). He had a successful surgery to stabilize his neck and he remained in the ICU for a week. Knowing that Luke needed the best shot at a full recovery, it was determined the greatest course of action would be to have Luke transported by ambulance to the Sheltering Arms facility in Richmond, VA.

Luke is slowly regaining more mobility in his arms and has regained feeling in his legs. He is currently busting his butt to be able to walk out of Sheltering Arms; while simultaneously winning over the hearts (in true Luke form) of all his therapists along the way. His positive attitude and his desire to make a full recovery has been an inspiration and a true testament to how amazing this kid is. Luke will be at Sheltering Arms for at least another month muscling through some grueling therapy.

We are certain that with everything involved initially at Norfolk General and at Sheltering Arms, as well as any ongoing rehabilitation once home, the costs for his family will be extreme. Therefore, we are hoping to get this Go Fund Me campaign rolling to ease the minds of his parents so they can solely focus on doing everything they can to help their son fully recover.

With your support, prayers, kind words and love we know we can get Luke and his family back to Moyock where they belong - worry free! Any donations made will go directly to the costs of Luke’s recovery and healing. No amount is too small—and any good vibes and shout outs to Luke on here will surely be appreciated.

Let’s rock this out for Luke, friends!

We are grateful for the support and shares -

Kylie Menteer and Julia Sarver

(Below you will also find a link to Luke’s “Caring Bridge” site. His father is doing a magnificent job posting regular updates and pictures of his progress. You’ll get to witness the love, laughter, and smiles of this sweet kid and his journey of strength #LuketheBull)

Luke's CaringBridge