In March, 2015 Bill Stefansic was doing the work he loved, his way, as a contractor who put his own talented hands on every project. One particular day something went very wrong. A scaffolding Bill was working on became unstable and ultimately collapsed. Minutes later, Bill was air lifted from the nearby ball field, where years ago he had watched his young sons play baseball, to the nearest Trauma Center.
It was immediately determined that Bill’s spinal cord was completely severed. He sustained multiple fractures, damage to numerous organs, a head injury. After 30 days in a coma, Bill woke up to the first day of a new life as a paraplegic. When he finally went home after 82 days, Bill was comforted by the support, not only from a devoted wife and family, but that of a team of friends, neighbors and co-workers who had stood by him and his wife in those initial months.
Updates (8)
August 3, 2017
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO PURCHASE A SAFE AND RELIABLE VEHICLE FOR BILL AND JEANNE
In March 2015, Bill Stefansic suffered a life changing event when scaffolding he was working on collapsed, severing a section of his spinal cord and leaving him paraplegic. (Please see Bill’s story “About Bill”). In the two years since his accident, Bill and his wife Jeanne have been struggling through the challenges of life in a wheelchair, and their current immediate need is safe and reliable transportation.
Jeanne has a lease vehicle for her personal and business use which she must surrender in October. They managed to purchase an 18 year old second hand van last year, but it is riddled with mechanical issues and is not reliable as their primary vehicle. The retrofitted electric ramp (for which replacement parts are no longer available) often fails and Jeanne has to operate it manually (the ramp can be pulled out manually but cannot be pushed back in manually, requiring a costly mobile mechanic). She also has to manually assist Bill every time in and out of the van, a repetitive motion that is creating back and hip issues for Jeanne who suffers from a herniated disc. (View “Bill’s Photo Albums/Van” and the videos following this post) As Bill’s primary caregiver, the physical demands on Jeanne are difficult and risky. Even a slight injury would be a significant setback for both of them. And if mechanical issues weren’t enough, whenever it rains the van fills with water creating a dangerous and hazardous environment.
The responsibility of caring for Bill and herself is overwhelming for Jeanne, and without reliable transportation, she loses confidence in her ability to keep them safe and give Bill a life beyond the boundaries of their home.
They successfully received a grant from Vocational Rehabilitation to purchase the mobility conversion package. The cost of a new van to accommodate Bill’s specific needs is $35,000, funds they do not have. With the clock ticking on Jeanne’s lease and the unreliability of their current van, they need the funds now to purchase the vehicle.
With your help we can alleviate one of their many physical and financial burdens, and ensure Bill and Jeanne have a reliable vehicle properly equipped to help keep them both safe. Thank you for whatever you can give to help us reach our goal. PLEASE SHARE with your caring network of family and friends. The more we spread the need the closer we will hopefully get to reaching our goal.
TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION:
Click the Donate Now link on this page
Donate by check payable to Help Hope Live, memo line “in Honor of Bill Stefansic”, mail to: Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, 100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100, Radnor PA 19087
Our gratitude for your gift goes beyond words. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Sincerely, Bill’s Team
August 3, 2017
Numerous steps with bending, twisting, lifting are involved for Jeanne to assist Bill into and out of the van.
Photo Galleries (3)
Guestbook
July 13, 2018
Bill, Your will, determination and attitude are so inspiring! I'm sure its this positive outlook that helps you overcome the many challenges you and Jeanne face in daily life. Keep challenging yourself, stay positive and keep the faith. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. All the best to you and Jeanne. Rodger and Renee' Collins
Rodger Collins
August 23, 2017
Please know you both are in my prayers every day and every night. I will continue sending you loving, healing, brilliant light for your daily progressive recovery. May you both always feel the blessings of unconditional love and support from your friends and family. In the brief moments we shared, you have brightened my day immeasurably; you have an unconditional friend in me, whenever you need. With all my love, Jade
Jade Yu
August 17, 2017
Continuing prayers for Bill and you, JB. Love you bunches! Where there is faith, hope and love, Bill's gonna make it. Miracles still happen!!!
Louise Strickland Grier - Fairmont, NC
February 9, 2017
Dear Bill and Jeanne, you are both incredible. I am in awe of your strength and determination.
Rose Clements
