Help HOPE Live for David L Messling
Help Support David’s Journey
David suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury from an ATV accident. His C4 and C6-T1 vertebrae were fractured and his spinal cord was compressed. He is now a quadriplegic. As far as movement, he can move his arms up and down however he cannot move his fingers.
Since his accidents in 2016, David has had 7 surgeries, several severe infections, many bottom sores, and continuous nerve pain. He does partake in an Adaptive Fitness Class at UW-Madison once a week during the spring semester of the school year. He has had many PT sessions over the years.
Through all of your continuous support we have been able to renovate our home so it is handicap accessible. The funds have also allowed us to get the conversions on the Pacifica van he has so that David can drive it. We also purchased an electrostimulation bicycle that has sticky electrodes we place on various muscle groups while he rides the bike to stimulate them to move. Another very important area that the funds have helped with are paying for some of the caregivers that we need and durable medical supplies.
Now after 9 years and 4months, we do need a new van. Our van is having various issues from many electrical problems to engine/radiator issues.
Before the accident, David was always heavily involved in sports, whether it be coaching his daughters’ basketball teams or supporting his community’s athletics. He ran his financial office helping to advise others. He was part of the local Kiwanis organization. After 6 weeks in the hospital and the rehabilitation center, David returned home.
To help with various financial needs of David’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit 501c organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 35 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the North-Central Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.
We are so grateful for all of the support and prayers that our friends and family members share with us.
Sincerely,
Messling Family (David, Penny, Heather, and Maria)
Updates (15)
July 31, 2026
Hi EveryoneA brief update. We were able to obtain a new van thanks to generous donations. It is a Chrysler Pacifica, silver, from Rollx Vans in MN. David has been pretty good the past couple months. He has had UTIs and Pressure sores that are ongoing.He is working on getting an adapted utv so he can get back on the trails and hunt. The trackchair just doesnt work for him since he has no core balance. The utv will allow him to stay in his wheelchair and adaptations are made for a ramp to fold down on the outside and adjustments made so he can drive while he is in his wheelchair. We are getting close to being able to get this kawasaki utv for him.
November 23, 2025
Here we are 9 years after injury! David is now using a Trackchair to get back out into the woods.He has a gun holding apparatus that he can sip/puff to pull trigger on his rifle His brothers and good friend help him with hunting in his blindFinding zero entry places to stay are a challenge when trying to travelHotels need beds with opening underneath so we can use a hoyer lift. Using a lift and wheelchair on carpet is another challenge.He would like to get his own Trackchair or converted mobility Ute.These are made by quadmobility.comTake a look they are amazing This would be something we dream of for future outings
January 28, 2021
Hi Everyone
Here is an update. It has been way too long. We celebrated Christmas/New Years again, thank God!!
Since Davids ATV accident in 2016, he has had 7 surgeries, many UTIs, been septic and still pushing forward.
His surgeries are as follows:
Nov 2016: Cervical fusion surgery by neurosurgeon 2 rods and 10 screws in his neck
Aug 2018 Baclofen Pump Surgery: David had the implantation of a pump to help with his spasms. His legs/arms and body would spasm irregularly. Especially if we would touch him anywhere or when we would get him up or put him to bed.
Oct 2018 David had a SupraPubic Catheter put in. This is a permanent hole placed right below his belly button. I place a foley tube in this hole that goes directly to his bladder to drain his bladder. Otherwise, I had to cath his every 3 hours through his urethra with a foley since paralyzed individuals have a neurogenic bladder which means they cannot go on their own. David would start to sweat and his Blood Pressure would increase (starting to go into Autonomic Dysreflexia) so we knew to cath him) Now he just carries around his urine bag with him at all times without sweating/bp problems.
Surgery #4:
David had a colostomy surgery. This occurred because there was a hole in his colon that I found when I was doing his bowel program one Saturday morning. Paralyzed people also are on a bowel program. This means they or someone else must place a suppository up their rectum to get them to have a bowel movement once or twice a day. This process is also due to the fact that they have neurogenic bowel so they have to be stimulated to go.
Surgery #5
The fourth surgery was not enough!! This hole caused a major infection that infected Davids tailbone. He then was told to switch hospitals and have another surgery. This time his descending colon was permanently removed.
Surgery #6 August 2019
Davids backside was opened up because pus pockets were found and they needed to be debrided. At this time his tailbone was removed and a large hole was left in his backside so a wound vac was attached.
Surgery #7 Oct 2020
Rectum removed and this opening that was made in 2019 was finally closed. A flap was also made to completely close this up!
Other happenings:
May 2019 David was septic due to cellulitis ...3 blood transfusions..
Dec 2020: David now needs a noninvasive ventilator at home ( sophisticated bipap machine) His breathing is more labored after the last surgery
I have retired now to help care for him. It has been difficult to get consistent help.
July 17, 2020
Hi Everyone
Here it is July of 2020. David has been a SCI survivor for 3.5 years already. Thanks to all of your support. From the donations we were able to get the adaptations in a van for David to drive. We have been able to pay for medical supplies and caregivers.
David had 3 surgeries last summer (2019). He had part of his colon removed due to an infection that started because of a hole in the lower part of his colon. This infection became pretty bad and spread into his tailbone. The last surgery he had, the surgeon opened up and debride the area and removed his tailbone. Today David still has a wound vac to try and heal that area.
Earlier this summer he became septic and was hospitalized due to other infections. He is quite the fighter.
Thank you for your continued support of our family. We appreciate all of you and your prayers.
July 3, 2018
HI Everyone!!!
David is presently in Omaha, NE at QLI receiving some great PT and OT. The people there are outstanding and helping him to achieve some vertical status which he has not had much of yet. This should lead him to being able to be upright for part of everyday. Eventually he may be able to have a wheelchair that could stand him up someday.
He is also working harder at getting stronger by lifting weights and strengthening that core strength.
November 16, 2017
Hi Everyone!!!
David is a student at UW-Madison. Well not actually but he has a student ID and is attending Adaptive Fitness Classes on Fridays at UW. He also went in yesterday for driver evaluation. We will be having to take him for more driving lessons and getting the vehicle adapted for him. His goal is to drive by his birthday in March. He has gained much strength back in his right shoulder and arm which were injured while he was at the rehab center. So that is great. We were able to put in an asphalt pathway in the yard for him to get around easier at home. We also had an automatic door put in on the house so he has a remote to control that and the garage door.
So things have definitely progressed in one year!!!
Oh yes...his FES exercise bike is a blessing. When he is hooked up to that it is great to see the smile on his face when he sees his own legs moving with the motor and electrical stimulation!!
Thanks everyone for your help to achieve these items. Without you all of this would not have been possible!!!
March 21, 2017
Hello!!
David has started his therapy at St. Marys Dean in Janesville. He is working on healing a pressure sore on his left achilles area. The new wheelchair is working out pretty good. There is a new apparatus in the van that he drives up into and it locks his wheelchair in so that we do not have to strap him in anymore. He has survived his first cold...ugh!
There will be a benefit dinner, auction Saturday June 10th in Evansville with a band and we would love to see everyone!! It runs from 5-?pm It will be at the Red Barn. There will also be a raffle.
March 3, 2017
Hi Everyone
David has received his own wheelchair this week. He has a pressure sore on his left Achilles area that we are taking care of at this time. Phone calls and visits are welcome here at our home.
February 1, 2017
Hi Everyone!!
Last friday was the 12 week mark!! David is going to acupuncture today. We are going to start PT outpatient and looking to do OT outpatient also. If some of you are available during the day to take him to appointments during the day that would be awesome since I started back to work last week. Our homecare people have been great! David loves to get out too...can't wait for warmer weather!! Give him a call in the afternoons, he loves it!!
January 18, 2017
Hi Everyone
So we have been home for about one month. David has been attending Maria's practices and helping coach tournaments on the weekends. He had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder ball and socket joint about a week ago. Today he felt me touching behind his right knee! Yippee!! We also started acupuncture last week and we will try it again tomorrow. I am going to try to go back to work next week. David believes that each of us should return to our "jobs". He is unsure of his return as of yet. Two wonderful women have been hired to help out in the morning to get David ready for each day. One other RN is coming in to help mid day and then I will be home for the rest of the day. It would be great if insurance understood that this was a medical necessity...since he is not independent but they do not...It seems like we are always trying to justify something - medical equipment, therapy, doctor appointments, tests, etc.
Heather went back to UW yesterday. She was a great help to all of us. This has definitely made us stronger as a family unit in ways we never imagined. Our family and faith has grown stronger! Thank you for all of the continued support, cards, etc.
December 29, 2016
HI Everyone Yes we have been home for almost two weeks. David is happier home. Here are a few adjustments at home: he has a revamped bedroom with a hospital bed (with a special mattress to help with pressure relief to prevent pressure sores from developing), cough assist machine ( since he can only breathe using his diaphragm), and a hoyer lift to help move him from his power wheelchair to bed or to his shower/commode chair. During the day, David is more sensitive to temperatures than he use to be. If someone stops to visit he will be wrapped in a blanket and wearing a hat because he is cold even though the rest of us are rather warm. This is common for SCI (spinal cord injury) people. Visitors are welcome but please do not come if you have any illness because David cannot fight off respiratory infections easily with limited breathing capabilities.
December 9, 2016
David's home visit went well yesterday. We are looking for an accessible van to be able to take him around. The renovations on the house are getting into the final stages. Some of the final stages are:
1.the new zero entry bathroom, so that I can wheel him into the shower and do other necessary hygiene duties 2. the hardwood floor in the bedroom so that he can maneuver his wheelchair in the room. 3. the final painting over the new widened entry ways. WOW how far we have come in a few short weeks. Thanks to all the contractors, friends, and neighbors. We are waiting for the hospital bed, respiratory therapy machines, the lift apparatus and bathroom chair to arrive. Then David can safely come home as soon as next week.
December 5, 2016
Hi Everyone!! David is feeling much better! Some of the girls from his BB team stopped by to visit him yesterday after their tournament. He will have a home visit on Wednesday this week to see if we are getting close to having him home next week...WOW. Where has the time gone. He is making tremendous strides. We are now searching for at home care, a van, and finishing up renovations. Staying strong and keeping the faith!!
December 2, 2016
Dec 2nd 2016
Thanks for joining us on our new page!! We are hopeful that David's fever will be under control. We are asking for a couple of days of rest. Our house should have the ramp in place in the garage. All doorways have been widened. The workers are had at work on the bathroom 0 entry shower, etc. New floor in the bedroom. We are searching for help with care when he comes home...All things take time and patience. Thanks to all of you for being there for us! He will be our Christmas gift!!
November 27, 2016
Hi everyone!
We have decided to start a fundraising page with HelpHOPELive to cover any costs medical costs for David. We are going to continue posting on CaringBridge to keep you all updated!
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Guestbook
April 8, 2017
Thanks for the updates it is nice to see how things are going:)
Lonnie and Lanny
December 31, 2016
David, Like the overtime game in North Crawford believe and you can climb mountains. We are thinking of you and sending you nothing but hope and good wishes to you and your family. Keep your chin up and God Bless
Lonnie and Lanny Knoble
December 29, 2016
Making a donation for Dave from Jim & Heather Krupke -
Jim Krupke
December 23, 2016
We just made a donation - THANKS Pat Nagle! BOOM!
Jim & Lee Ann Krupke
December 22, 2016
Hi Dave & Penny! We are glad that David is back home. It's a long road, but it sounds like you are making quick progress with the home remodeling, etc. You are in our daily prayers for continued progress and to get the funding you need. I know how expensive all of this will be, but have faith in your family and friends. We will help you get there!
Cindy & Fly Vanderkin
December 20, 2016
Dear David, You and your family have been in my prayers . You can do this with God's help family and friends , be patient with yourself.
Joan Hartley
December 16, 2016
Hi Dave and family! We are thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. We are glad to hear you are making progress! If you haven't found a van yet, here is a site to check out, they are located in McFarland. http://www.aandjmobility.com/ Chris has worked on some of the vehicles they adapted for customers. Thanks, Penny and girls, for the updates. Keep up the positive spirit!
Chris and Anne Raymond
December 15, 2016
Dave, sorry to hear about your accident. Hope things are improving for you. Glad to hear you are maybe getting home soon. If there is anyway I can help out with, just let me know. Thinking about you and your family.
Dave and Nancy McSherry
December 13, 2016
Hi David, Prayers for you and your family, just found this website, nice to see your picture,looking good! Be positive and know we are all sending you the strength you need.
Rollie & Donna Aspenson
December 9, 2016
Dave,
Never give up! That smile says it all, it tells me you will keep fighting and will keep working hard on recovery!
Sending you positive vibes!
Laurie (Busby) Anderson
December 9, 2016
Hi Dave. So very sorry to hear about your accident. So glad that you will be able to come home soon. We will be keeping you in our prayers. Stay positive.
Al & Lori Laufenberg
December 9, 2016
Dave--keep up the fight. You are in our prayers each day. Penny--take care of yourself, too. Your family is loved.
Nancy Greve-Shannon & Family
December 9, 2016
Praying for you, Dave, and thanking our Lord for the blessing of your loving family. All of us in the Quamme family are here to help. Janesville is pretty lonely for the one and only "Cat-Man"!
Lon, Sarah and McKenna Haenel
December 8, 2016
Oh David, I am so sorry to hear of your accident. My heart hurts out here in Idaho & I wish there were something I could do. The most effective thing I can do is pray & ask that God give you the strength that can only come from Him. You are such a strong man & one of the kindest I have ever met. It was such a pleasure to work with you all those years ago. Keep smiling & keep that faith.
Julie Peterman
December 8, 2016
So good to see your smiling face in this picture. Keep working hard so I can harass you soon! Best wishes from me and my family.
Linda Messling
December 7, 2016
So glad to hear that you are so close to coming home! We have been thinking of you and keeping you in our prayers !
The Etringer family
Matt, Nicole, Adison & Grayson
December 7, 2016
Hey Dave just heard about your accident, so sorry but try to stay positive! Those doctors and therapists can do so much these days. We will keep you in our prayers.
Neal @ Jeanie Welsh
December 7, 2016
Keep up the good good work Dave. We will keep praying for you and your family.
jane ronnfeldt
December 6, 2016
Keep that smile going Dave and work hard. You've got this. Prayer and thoughts of you daily.
Vicki Bankes
December 6, 2016
Hoping that your visit home becomes a permanent stay in the near future. Greg and I have been praying and thinking of you and your family.
Jeanne and Greg Loesch
December 6, 2016
Thinking of you all and sending good thoughts your way!
Angie and Brian Murphy
December 6, 2016
Keep up the fight. Sending prayers.
Anne (Boland) Heilman
December 6, 2016
Thinking about you David! Keep fighting. Our prayers are with you. Love you. Jeff and Katie Boos and Family
Katie Boos
December 6, 2016
Keep up the fight!!! So happy for your improvement!!! Hugs
Rita Messling
December 6, 2016
So very excited that you are talking of going home! Keep up the progress David and we will keep praying!
Doug & Linda
December 5, 2016
Stay strong! Thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family.
Cindy Matti Ehlers
