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As she began her morning routine, she realized she had pain between her shoulder blades that was progressively getting worse. Realizing, she was over whelmed with pain and was losing the feeling in her lower body she immediately called for help.
The next few hours were a whirlwind. An ambulance ride to Soldiers and Sailors Hospital in Wellsboro, PA, where she was told she had two ruptured disc that damaged her spinal cord and she must be flown to Geisinger for emergency surgery as soon as possible. Due to weather, a very long ambulance ride was the only option. Within eight hours of waking to a normal day, Barbie was told, she would probably never walk again. As her husband and children stood by her bedside, the surgeon explained the surgery was to prevent further damage and hopefully she would have use of her arms. The surgery repaired the rupture, but the prognosis is remains the same, she is paralyzed from the chest down.
Barbie is a 55 year old, mother of two, married to her husband for 35 years and expecting her first grandchild in March. She has worked in the quality assurance department at Medplast, a supplier of medical components for almost 21 years. She has always been the one to help others. Whether it is organizing the company Christmas party or a fundraiser to help a local family, everyone knew if it needed to be done, Barbie could do it! She has been certified as an Emergency Medical Technician for more than twenty years, a disaster response volunteer for the American Red Cross for 18 years, donated 66 units of blood (and donated platelets) and chaired numerous fundraising activities for the American Red Cross, Cancer Society and participated in fundraising for the Plunketts Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department for the past twenty-two years.
Now, due to this catastrophic injury, the family and friends of Barbara Campbell are raising money to help pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with her injury. Barbara’s injury will require significant rehabilitation, medical care, and specialized equipment that will not be covered by her insurance. Please help give her the best chance by donating to her recovery!
They have chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
SUBMITTED BY KATHY: My sister has been living as a quadriplegic for sixteen months. Many things we take for granted has been major challenges for Barbie and her family. They have settled into a daily routine that has become their norm. (I can’t imagine) Beginning at 5:00 am, Barbie’s husband and son start the day by taking care of her, first tending to her bathroom needs and then a shower and getting her dressed. Barbie is able to brush her teeth, apply her make-up and do her own hair. Cliff (her husband) prepares breakfast while Westley (Son) gets ready and goes to work by 7:00 am. Catherization must be done every 4 to 5 hours, 24 hours a day. There is never more than four hours of sleep at any one time. Barbie is unable to roll-over or change positions without assistance; she relies totally on her husband and son. The day proceeds with either appointments or daily activities at home. Barbie has learned to help with such things as running a vacuum, ironing, some cooking and dusting. (If it can be done sitting in a wheelchair, she has done it!) She even made curtains for our dad’s cabin!
One of the biggest challenges has been the severe spasms. Every move she made, every time someone touched her and every time the vehicle hit a slight bump in the road, she would experience massive spasms, at times throwing her completely off balance. Every spasm was like a lightning bolt ending in her shoulders and head with severe pain. Numerous medications would not control the spasms, they only made her feel sleepy and like she was “living in another world.” Until her doctors were able to determine if the spasms could be controlled with medication, she had no choice but to live with them every day. Since it was necessary to travel two to four hours one way for appointments at least twice a week, they needed a smoother riding vehicle. The only handicap vehicle that they were able to obtain (they nicknamed “the bus”) after her injury, had to be retired because it rode so rough. (see the photo album) . The next affordable option was to borrow a van and install a used Bruno seat, donated by a friend. This worked for about a month, when the gear system failed in the Bruno seat and parts were not available. With no choices and needing transportation, they purchased a $36,000 handicap accessible wheelchair van. Finally, they had a dependable, smooth riding vehicle! Wrong! The van has let them stranded on the highway, three times! The first time, on the interstate on the way to a doctor appointment, Barbie had to be transferred to a regular vehicle, that’s a challenge in its self. The second time, again on the interstate in a rural area on the way home from a surgical procedure, again they had to wait on a ride, transfer and have it towed. And the third time was just last week on the way home from a family funeral in Williamsport. The van is currently at the Chrysler dealer in Williamsport, hopefully they will find the problem. In the mean time, they are without transportation again. Something we all take for granted!
Barbie has been battling ongoing UTI’s since the very beginning and on top of that, had to have gall bladder surgery this year after becoming very ill.
After many doctor visits and numerous tests over this past year, last month a pump was surgically inserted to send medication directly to the spine to control the spasms. What a life changing procedure! Although, she struggled with severe headache pain for a couple weeks after the surgery, the spasms have been reduced immensely and no oral medication is needed. As she stated, “I can think more clearly now, I feel more normal.”
It’s been a long road, but it still hasn’t stopped her from helping others. With the support of her family, she helped (for the 24th year),
the Plunketts Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department with their Haunted Hayride, which is their largest fundraiser. She also helped Little Marsh Volunteer Fire Department with their fall fundraiser.
Even with all the obstacles and disappointments, this family continues to be positive. They care for her medical needs, her daily needs, they make sure the things that were always important to her, like fundraising for local organizations, hunting, fishing and of course spending time with her daughter and grandson are always on her agenda. They have never looked at the situation as “why us?” Her husband said he married her for “better or worse” and it could be lot worse. Since their home was a small two story and would be too costly to make handicap assessable, without being asked, her son remodeled his small two bedroom bachelor pad and created a single hospital-like bedroom with handicap shower, bathroom, and equipped it with a ceiling hoist to make caring for his mother much easier. Concerned she would feel helpless, he enclosed his back porch and made a handicap assessable sewing/computer room to ensure she had something to do. The couch is his bed, the living room his sleeping area, but insists he doesn’t mind, he’s helping his parents and that’s more important than where he sleeps.
We ask that you pray for a miracle but if it’s not in God’s plan, this family has the strength to make the best of each day. Hug your loved ones, make memories while you can and be thankful for good health!
Nov. 12, 2016 was one year ago that my injury occurred. A lot has happened to me since then. I have overcome many obstacles and learned to do things much differently than I use to. Things that I use to take for granted, I realize now were life’s little pleasures.
I am still paralyzed from the collar bone down and have not regained any movement. I have no feeling on the underside of my arms. My hands and finger tips do not have the sensations they use to but I can still use them. I am thankful for that.
I have gained some tingling sensation in spots of my body. I can not actually feel someone touching me but sometimes when I am touched in certain places I can feel a tingle.
My health for the most part has been pretty good.
I have been through many UTI’s throughout the year. We are still working with my urologist to solve this issue.
Back in May I was very sick and after several test they found I had a large gall stone. The doctor said I had to have my gall bladder removed. I didn’t want another surgery but I sure felt better after that.
As time goes by the worse the spasms have become. I have been through pain management to try and get on top of things but so far nothing seems to work. The medication makes me feel tired and hard to function at times. We are still holding onto hope. On Tuesday Jan. 24, 2017 I will be having an Intrathecal pump implanted (a device to control pain).
I am hoping this will change the quality of my life. It will make accomplishing a task so much easier.
My next goal I hope to achieve will be to drive. I want to learn how to drive using hand controls. This would give me so much more freedom and relieve my family of one less duty they have caring for me.
None of this would be possible with out the support of my family and friends. The donations that have come in this past year has helped me tremendously with the medical bills. I cannot thank everyone enough for the donations and help they have given to me. It has meant the world to my family and I. I hope there will come a time in my life that I can “pay it forward” to someone who will have a need and appreciate it as much as I did. Once again thank you so much for the much needed help and prayers.
It’s been 6 months since Barbie had her injury. There has been many hurdles including her recent surgery to remove her gallbladder. Muscle spasms have continued to get worse, making riding in a vehicle an activity that is often avoided whenever possible. Even the slightest bump in the road causes extreme spasms. The original wheelchair vehicle that they purchased (for a very reasonable price) was a retired bookmobile that worked very well at first but as the spasms got worse and the rough ride of the truck, triggered excruciating pain in her upper body with each spasm. They were given a mini van with a handicap seat, and a trailer to transport her wheelchair, but this only worked for a short time because the mechanical seat broke and parts were not longer available. They had no choice but to buy a used handicap van, which so far is working great but has also given them the burden of a loan. Although the spasms limit what she can do on most days, Barbie takes every opportunity she can to help with any “normal” daily chores. There has been many renovations to make their home handicap accessible including a specialized hoist that her son and a friend created and built, to lift and carry Barbie from her bed to the bathroom. Although, Barbie wasn’t able to help with the “heavy stuff” she was very involved with the renovations including painting, cutting wall paper and staining trim. She and her family continue to have a positive outlook even though they no longer work, (Cliff is her primary caregiver) and they had to give up their two story home and move in with their son. The entire family’s, way of life has changed. BUT! They had their first grandchild in March! He has brought a lot of “sunshine” on the worse days! Please pray for Barbie…. we are still hoping for a miracle!
Barbie was discharged and spent Christmas at home. Although, she is very happy to be home after more than a month, Barb and her family have a very long road ahead. The house is still being renovated to meet Barbie’s needs. Her family is caring for her around the clock, as well as home health and physical therapy is providing care at home. Hopefully in a couple weeks Barbie will be able to participate in “out-patient” rehab.
Please continue with prayers and support for her recovery.
Part of Barbie’s occupational therapy is to strengthen her hands and fingers and learn to use them for delicate tasks. Today occupational therapy was fun and festive! She made a gingerbread house! Take a look in the photo album!
This past weekend was the first “huge” step in preparing for Barbie’s homecoming! Thanks to 14 volunteers, the ramp is complete and the inside construction has begun! Thanks to everyone who gave their time and efforts! It was greatly appreciated! (check out the photo album)
Barbie has asked me to tell everyone that she “appreciates the prayers, words of encouragement and support”. Knowing she has all this support is what keeps her going. Barbie said “how do you thank everyone from the monetary gifts, to the visits, to preparing the house, the prayers for my recovery. I am truly shocked at all the support, who would have ever thought.”
Barbie is working hard, to learn a new way of life. She is required to pass several “tests” before she can go home. She needs to be as independent as possible and build the strength in her upper body, that she needs to move herself and complete daily activities that we all take for granted. While Barbie and Cliff are learning new things everyday, the kids, along with friends and family, are home preparing the house to accommodate her disability. An outside ramp is being built today! If all goes well and the house is ready, Barbie (and Cliff who hasn’t left her side) will be going home by Christmas!
Barb and her family had a meeting with the medical team yesterday which proved to be very informative. Although there are many hurdles before Barbie can be discharged, their goal is for her to be home by Christmas! Several pieces of equipment is required to meet her everyday needs. A wheelchair (which was ordered yesterday), a shower chair, and lift to move her are all necessities. Transportation is a huge “hurdle.” Not only to get her home, but also the outpatient therapy several times a week and the many follow-up visits. A dependable but affordable handicap vehicle is sure to be a challenge. Making the house handicap accessible is another requirement to enable her to go home. A ramp must be built , and part of the house must to be renovated to meet her bathroom and sleeping area needs before she will be discharged.
Barbie was also told that she will be very independent with this specialized wheelchair and although her chances of regaining any feeling and the ability to walk again is quite small, it is not out of the question. Even the smallest gain in function could take one to two years. This type of injury is very slow to heal and only time and prayer can help the healing process.
It has been two weeks since Barbie’s injury occurred. She is doing well with her “very intense” therapy. Her husband and kids are by her side everyday learning their new way of life. Although Barbie is physically exhausted by the end of each day, her positive outlook always has her thinking about what she will accomplish the following day!
Watch for Barb’s progress here.
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Barb - I heard that your cake was a big hit and I loved the picture of the gingerbread house! Keep up the good work, you will be home very soon. Thinking of you every day. Hugs to you and the family!
Denise M.
Hi barb..that's great the ramp is finished, you gingerbread house looks great...good job! You are so brave...I'm proud to say your my cousin! Keep up the good work...love ya...Gloria
Gloria Wertz
Barbie, you & your family are the best. Mailed a card today. Praying for all of you.
Aunt Carol
Aunt Barbie I am thinking of you everyday and hoping you get home soon. (and don't think this will get you out of helping with the hayride!!LOL)
Love Brandon
Barb, Cliff, Wes, and Nichole, It's been a long time but I still remember all your smiling faces :-) Thoughts and prayers for you all. If you need anything just ask.
Shawn McCullen
Aunt Barb and family, We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Barry Steinbacher
hey barb idk if u remember but i was a good friend of nikkis in highschool i just wanted to say that u and your husband and nicole are all in my prayers and i wish you the best of luck god is on your side!
michael yawger
HI BARB SAD TO HEAR THIS BUT MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS R WITH YOU I LOVE YOU
ANN CAMPBELL
Hi Barb, Keeping you and your family in my prayers. Stay strong my friend, love you.
Linda Huffman
Barb, I wish you strength to meet each day with more determination than the day before, to achieve all of your goals. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Denise M.
Hi honey..I just want you to know I'm checking on you, I'm sending you strength and love stay strong. Love ya!
Gloria & Dale Wertz
Barb - I'm not really good with words of encouragement, but I hope you know you and your family will be in my prayers. Stay positive!
Declan Wilson
Barb, you are so disciplined and strong and I know that if anyone can get through this challenge, it will be you! My thoughts and prayers are with you daily.
Sharon Gregory
I am so very sorry to hear of your injury, Barb. You seem to be an extremely positive and determined person, and that will lead you to accomplish amazing things. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you begin this journey.
Brandis Paull
Stay strong, Barb!!! Praying for you and your family during your journey.
Ginger Howard
Hi Barb, You're in our thoughts in prayers. Stay strong!
Phil Ketzel
hi honey...wishing you good news today .....love you!
gloria & Dale wertz
Barb sorry to hear this. You are a strong lady. You are always there for everyone and now we will be there for you. Stay strong and think positive!!!
Dave and Mary Earle
Barb bless u for being u always with ah smile
BillieLynn Moore
My dearest Barbie you are the lady that is always there for everyone now we are all here for you.You were my rock for me when Krystal was in the hospital an always had encourage able words for me an you will adopt to this because you are so strong I'm here for you anytime day or night love you
Paula Dunham
Thinking of you!
Sherry Monroe
Hi Barb, Been thinking of you everyday and praying for you and your family, You're one awesome lady and I know you will make this new life you have to adjust to work. Be strong and think positive,love you Barb.
Shirley Van Pelt.
Hi Barb...so sorry to hear about this...you know you are in my thoughts and prayers...we never know what is just around the corner but I know with Gods help and your wonderful husband you will be good...miracles happen everyday...God Bless, Irene
Irene Lowrey
Hello Barb, Your in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you the best with your therapy. Stay strong and positive.
Mark Juliano
Barb, To let you know my thoughts and prayers are being sent your way..
Susie Groover
Hi Barbie, I'm so sorry to hear about your condition. I don't know if you know this, but my late husband was a quadriplegic before his death (he had ALS) so I'm familiar with assistive devices and what works and what doesn't. Feel free to call or email me if you want to talk. Kathy is a Facebook friend and I can give her my contact information. This is Faith, by the way! Sending you prayers & love.
Faith Shallis
Hi Barbie..we are sending love and support your way...You will beat this thing.....we think of you a lot, the power of positive thinking will help you get through.Mom calls Aunt Carol or your dad often, remember you have a lot of people praying for you. Love...Gloria
Gloria Wertz
Dear Barbie; If there was a more smiling or Can i do anything more kind of person i never heard of any. We love you and pray for you every Day. Tell Cliff we are only a phone call away. I have 2 wheel chairs and a lift for electric wheelchair available that fits on the rear of a auto and also a chair that fits in the front seat that comes out and down and swivels to get the person in the vehicle. Please have cliff call me. LOVE YA Fred & Jeanette
Fred& Jeanette
Dear Barb, I am sending you much love and all the energy I can muster to be sent your way. I know what a hardworking, determined lady you are, and God knows you have given so much love and energy to others ~~ now it is your turn to have it return to you! I looked at your face in the pictures posted, and it is one of determination and love for your friends and family! I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers and sharing this HelpHopeLive campaign with others. I will be donating from time to time and if there is anything at all I can do for you, I will try my very best. Now, I know you have many miles between you and where you want and need to be~ just know I will be one of your supporters from the sidelines for sure... and will try to get up to see you as well. I love you!
Kathy Hummel
Barbie-Thinking of you and praying for you and the family. Prayer is everything, I know after our bad accident in 2010. Love ya and God Bless.
Karen Rung Rine
I am your biggest supporter! Love you!
Your Dad
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Barbara Campbell
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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