My name is Carlos Perez and I was 21 years old when I suffered my spinal cord injury. It was a cold, wet, Friday morning on November 21st 2014. As I stepped outside the wind felt frosty against my cheeks but, my heart felt warm for it was Friday and the weekend was around the corner. I always enjoyed my weekends because attending college and working, both full time, gave me an appreciation for the extra time I had to rest and spend time with family and friends. I remember thinking to myself “Today is going to be a great day, I will have a wonderful time and finish the week strong.” Excited to go to work I hopped onto my motorcycle, secured on my helmet, and was off to enjoy the rest of my day. The road was rough but, my ride was smooth. I was almost arriving to work on a curved street I had ridden hundreds of times before when the unexpected happened. My motorcycle slipped, my brakes failed, and just like that my life changed forever. Not remembering the actual fall or impact I regained conscience to find myself on grass next to a huge boulder and my head hanging off the curb onto the street. I was rushed to Western Medical Center hospital where I received surgery for my broken spine level T4 complete. Metal rods were surgically installed in my spine from level T2 all the way to level T7 to ensure my spine healed properly and straight. I spent my weekend in that hospital and that following Monday I was transferred to Kaiser Permanente in Downey where I spent thanksgiving with my family. After a week in Downey I was transferred to Healthsouth Tustin Rehabilitation where I did Physical and Occupational therapy to learn how to live from a wheelchair level. I was finally released to go home Christmas Eve and had a wonderful time with friends and family.

My spinal cord injury has been physically and emotionally difficult for me but, with the amazing support from my friends and family I am pushing forward and staying strong. Everyone that knows me knows that I was never one to just sit around, I was always out being active and getting things done. Before my spinal cord injury I loved playing sports. I constantly played soccer with friends and even perform in a soccer team. Also, I would compete in handball nonstop. All throughout and even after high school I would enter Handball tournaments against high leveled competitive players. Aside from just playing sports, I was very focused on my future. I worked full time as a Lead Lab Technician at a well-respected composite materials company and was also attending college full time taking courses that would further my career as a composite engineer. After my spinal cord injury I have been focused on maximizing my recovery, learning how to live from a wheelchair level, and be completely independent. My life previous to my injury has been put on pause as I overcome this challenge I have been faced with.

I appreciate all the help I have been given. I know that without the help many things would have been impossible. There are still many things I need assistance with and I am asking for your touch of grace to assist me on my journey. The insurance does not cover many expenses still need. I want to get back to living my life, attending school and going to work but, in order for me to do that I need a means of transportation.  My goal is to reach $40,000. $10,000 would go into house modifications and equipment such as expanding doorways, building ramps, bowel care tools, shower equipment, a drawer for easier access to clothes, etc. Another $10,000 would go into therapy sessions for atleast a year. Therapy sessions would include acupuncture and massage therapy, Goodwill fitness, and ProjectWalk. Lastly to install hand controls in order to drive would be roughly $5,000-$10,000 and I would need to install this on a decent reliable car that would last me years. This is where a combined $20,000 would help me aquire a vehicle with hand controls and allow me to attend work, school, and therapy with ease. My journey has been physically and emotionally challenging but, I believe anything is possible.