On Valentine’s day of this year, Sawyer was admitted to the hospital after a relentless series of symptoms from an unknown cause. Those symptoms devolved into a serious infection that led to a life-altering spinal cord injury, over a month in the ICU and two invasive spinal surgeries. Due to the infection, Sawyer lost motor and sensory function in his legs and arms. Because of this, he has been in inpatient rehab for the last several weeks. At this point, he is functioning from a wheelchair level full time. He is slowly but surely regaining feeling and function, but his providers are adamant that he needs continued, intensive therapies to ensure the best outcomes for his recovery. He and his fiance, Alexandra, are set to be married in the fall, and his goal is to be able to walk down the aisle for his wedding.

Sawyer was previously a 1099 employee who paid out of pocket for his insurance coverage (not out of the ordinary for a healthy, 32 year old man with no significant health issues to date). His insurance has approved his inpatient therapies, but any further care will not be covered. When it comes to recovery from a spinal cord injury, the most crucial time for progress is within 2-6 months of the injury. Without this additional support, it is much less likely that he will meet his physical milestones. These funds can ensure he receives continued outpatient services when he returns home, and can help cover the cost of the medical equipment needed as he works toward his goal of walking independently. Please join us to ensure that he can receive this life-changing care.