Cole was recently diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which is a rare spinal inflammatory condition that has caused sudden ascending paralysis. Doctors do not know how he got it. One day Cole noticed his legs felt numb and he was no longer able to walk or get out of bed. He was admitted and has been in the hospital over a month now with many complications such as needing emergency colon surgery along the way. Cole has now been transferred to the rehabilitation institution for physical therapy as he is fighting hard everyday learning to walk again.

Cole is an amazing young man at just 26 years old who was thriving in life as a boat mechanic, he is also a passionate fisherman and everything was on track until it wasn't. Cole is the rare kind of person who balances an incredible work ethic with an even bigger heart. He approaches everything he does with a level of dedication that is truly inspiring; when he sets his mind to a task, he doesn’t just get it done—he pours his absolute best into it. Yet, despite how hard he works, he never lets his goals get in the way of being a deeply loving brother, son, or coworker. He is always the first person to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement, showing his love through his actions every single day. Watching him navigate life with such grit and kindness makes it clear why he is so special. He doesn't just strive for success; he strives to take care of the people around him. Now it's our turn to help Cole.

Learning to walk again is an exhausting test of both physical endurance and mental fortitude. It is a process that strips away the subconscious ease of movement, forcing you to treat a once-natural instinct as a complex, manual sequence of commands. Every step requires an immense amount of cognitive energy, as you consciously instruct your brain to fire specific nerves, stabilize your core, and trust a limb that may feel heavy, numb, or uncooperative.

​Beyond the physical fatigue and the searing pain of dormant muscles waking up, there is a profound emotional toll. It is a journey marked by frustratingly slow progress, where success is measured in centimeters rather than miles, and a single stumble can feel like a devastating setback. Relearning balance often means confronting a newfound fear of falling, requiring you to find the courage to lean into the very space that feels unsafe. It is a grueling cycle of failure and persistence, proving that while the body does the work, it is the resilience of the human spirit that truly carries the weight.

This go fund me is to help with...

Medical care and expenses

Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy

Wheelchair and adaptive equipment

Home care and accessibility needs

Essential support as Cole adjusts to his new reality