Aaron--On the Road to Independence
Donation protected
As family and friends of the Kregness family, we wanted to do something to show our love and support for Aaron and the family. We met and overwhelmingly thought this was it! Assisting Aaron with purchasing a adapted vehicle (car, truck or van) would be a way we could bless them. Knowing how many love Aaron and the Kregness family, we think this is doable! Thank you and please share this. The more that know, the more probable it will be that we will meet our goal! It's a big goal, but we think we can do it! Please read below for Aaron's story, through his Mom, Dawn.
If you are not able to donate online, you may send to:
Aaron Kregness
c/o Lake Waubesa Bible Camp
2851 Crescent Drive
McFarland, WI 53558
_____________
On July 1, 2014, shortly after his 25th birthday, my son, Aaron sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in complete paralysis from the waist down while working at Lake Waubesa Bible Camp. He was thrown from a utility vehicle which then rolled on his back. Several staffers held the vehicle off his back until personnel arrived transporting him via med-flight to UW Hospital Trauma Unit. Mercifully, God protected his life and miraculously prevented head and chest injuries. He was in surgery less than 6 hours after his accident to stabilize and fuse his spine. This catastrophic accident which broke his back and lacerated his spinal cord, brought great pain and life-altering disabilities. Yet from the moment of his accident, Aaron has been others’ centered, determined, hardworking and gracious. As a mom, I could not be prouder of him. One’s true character is seen when you face your deepest challenges and we have seen Aaron’s. His life and attitude has continued to reflect his godly character, his faith and his compassion for others.
Aaron spent 10 days in a Madison hospital before moving to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for 4 months of daily therapy, both inpatient and outpatient. Aaron and I were very grateful that he was able to move home to McFarland just before Thanksgiving. Our journey living with paraplegia has been many things: hard, good, challenging, encouraging and discouraging. Aaron continues on the long road to recovery and independence and the entire family is affected as we journey with him. Spinal cord injuries affect so much more than just your ability to walk. I have seen first hand the impact on every aspect of Aaron’s life and, of course, his body. It often feels like 2 steps forward, 1 step back but we are confidant God is at work and will bring great good in all of our lives. The months since moving home have included countless doctor’s appointments as Aaron’s body continues to heal and he deals with the many physical and emotional challenges associated with a spinal cord injury. It has been a season of great loss for him on many fronts and he is still grieving. The Lord promises that joy comes in the morning and Aaron’s “morning” has not yet arrived. Please pray for that.
Although Aaron’s paralysis is permanent, his goal is a full and independent life. Though he is struggling to redefine his future—understand his abilities, discover new capabilities & purpose, he is still hoping to work in some aspect of camping ministry and make a difference in the lives of others. One of the biggest needs right now is for Aaron to relearn to drive and to acquire an adapted vehicle (car, truck or van) that will meet his needs. This will give him the freedom and opportunity to pursue his goals and reengage more fully in the world.
An incredible team of people are have come alongside our family and Aaron to support both the emotional and physical needs this challenge has brought our way. This Go Fund Me project is another way dear friends have sought to bless and encourage Aaron while meeting a significant need…and that in turn strengthens our entire family. We are humbly asking for your help to make his dream of an adapted vehicle a reality and literally get him on the Road to Independence.
If you are not able to donate online, you may send to:
Aaron Kregness
c/o Lake Waubesa Bible Camp
2851 Crescent Drive
McFarland, WI 53558
_____________
On July 1, 2014, shortly after his 25th birthday, my son, Aaron sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in complete paralysis from the waist down while working at Lake Waubesa Bible Camp. He was thrown from a utility vehicle which then rolled on his back. Several staffers held the vehicle off his back until personnel arrived transporting him via med-flight to UW Hospital Trauma Unit. Mercifully, God protected his life and miraculously prevented head and chest injuries. He was in surgery less than 6 hours after his accident to stabilize and fuse his spine. This catastrophic accident which broke his back and lacerated his spinal cord, brought great pain and life-altering disabilities. Yet from the moment of his accident, Aaron has been others’ centered, determined, hardworking and gracious. As a mom, I could not be prouder of him. One’s true character is seen when you face your deepest challenges and we have seen Aaron’s. His life and attitude has continued to reflect his godly character, his faith and his compassion for others.
Aaron spent 10 days in a Madison hospital before moving to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for 4 months of daily therapy, both inpatient and outpatient. Aaron and I were very grateful that he was able to move home to McFarland just before Thanksgiving. Our journey living with paraplegia has been many things: hard, good, challenging, encouraging and discouraging. Aaron continues on the long road to recovery and independence and the entire family is affected as we journey with him. Spinal cord injuries affect so much more than just your ability to walk. I have seen first hand the impact on every aspect of Aaron’s life and, of course, his body. It often feels like 2 steps forward, 1 step back but we are confidant God is at work and will bring great good in all of our lives. The months since moving home have included countless doctor’s appointments as Aaron’s body continues to heal and he deals with the many physical and emotional challenges associated with a spinal cord injury. It has been a season of great loss for him on many fronts and he is still grieving. The Lord promises that joy comes in the morning and Aaron’s “morning” has not yet arrived. Please pray for that.
Although Aaron’s paralysis is permanent, his goal is a full and independent life. Though he is struggling to redefine his future—understand his abilities, discover new capabilities & purpose, he is still hoping to work in some aspect of camping ministry and make a difference in the lives of others. One of the biggest needs right now is for Aaron to relearn to drive and to acquire an adapted vehicle (car, truck or van) that will meet his needs. This will give him the freedom and opportunity to pursue his goals and reengage more fully in the world.
An incredible team of people are have come alongside our family and Aaron to support both the emotional and physical needs this challenge has brought our way. This Go Fund Me project is another way dear friends have sought to bless and encourage Aaron while meeting a significant need…and that in turn strengthens our entire family. We are humbly asking for your help to make his dream of an adapted vehicle a reality and literally get him on the Road to Independence.
Organizer
Diana Olson
Organizer
Madison, WI