I am writing to you on behalf of my husband, Edward (“Duke”) Elliott. Most of you know but some may not, that Edward recently suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury in the C5-C6 neck vertebrae following a devastating ATV accident. Now a quadriplegic with no use of his legs and limited use of his arms, Edward has spent the last two months in medical and rehab facilities, with many more months of outpatient rehab still in his future.
Edward is from a small country town called Victoria. Having been raised on a farm, Edward’s parents instilled in him the value of hard work. Edward was one who often took on challenges that others declined, out of the kindness of his heart. Edward is well known for his generosity, strength, energy, and comical personality. Despite his own accident, every day he cheers on and encourages other less motivated patients in rehab.
Everyone who knew Edward before the accident knew that wherever he was, so were our kids. He is a proud father of three, Tyleia (10), Edward Jr. (6), and Aziah (3). Prior to the accident, Edward was an active outdoorsman, proud to have recently taken EJ hunting for the first time. Edward and I also enjoy taking our family fishing and going to athletic events for our kids.
In spite of the many obstacles he is facing, Edward is optimistic that he can return to a productive life in the community through the support of family and friends. Edward and I are preparing to move into another home, one that is more accessible and able to be modified to fit his needs. Upon his release from inpatient rehab, Edward will enter a rigorous outpatient therapy program to help him regain the use of his arms and hands. His therapists are strongly recommending that we purchase a special cycling machine that will use electrical stimulation to wake up Edward’s muscles and get them turning the wheels. This awakening of muscle memory is critical to his recovery. This machine will cost close to $15,000. For more information about this cutting edge piece of equipment, visit http://www.restorative-therapies.com/rt300-legarm to see it in action.
To assist with the costs of the “stim” cycle, home modifications, and rehab, a fundraising campaign in Edward’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a non-profit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the South-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury fund and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider making a donation:
Make Checks Payable to:
HelpHOPELive
Note in Memo section:
In Honor of Edward Elliott
Please Mail to:
HelpHOPELive
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
For credit card contributions, please call 800-642-8399 or select the DONATE NOW button.
If you would like to volunteer for fundraising events please email me at [email protected] or call me at 757-227-1783. Your time and energy is appreciated. Thanks for helping our family!
Sincerely,
Christina Elliott
757-227-1783
