At the age of 17, I was involved in a serious car accident which resulted in a fractured neck that caused a spinal cord injury and paralysis from the shoulders down. Eighteen years later, by the age of 35 June (2016), I received my master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling and an official certificate to be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
Despite my many accomplishments and my great life outlook, I face ongoing challenges to obtain my necessary therapies, continue achieving my career goals and, of great importance, maintain financial independence. Complicating matters further, recent calls for large cuts to Medicaid have put me in a stressed scramble. With all this in mind, I’ve isolated several areas on which to focus. The two most important are to invest in my physical health and to upgrade my 21-year-old wheelchair accessible vehicle to a newer, more reliable model.
Addressing my physical health, after five years of being on the waiting list for the ABLE program (Activity-Based Locomotor Exercise) at the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute in Golden Valley, MN, I finally reached the top of the list. On July 13, 2017 I had my initial intake assessment. It was then that I (with some assistance) took my first steps in 19 years!!! I felt amazing both mentally and physically, with a few days of expected soreness from years of inactivity.
The ABLE program will result in increases in bone density, muscle mass/strength, cardiovascular health, diaphragm strength, bodily functions, and energy/stamina thus, improving my ability to achieve vocational goals. Ideally, I would like to participate in the able program 3 times a week doing treadmill, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and guided exercise interventions, which would come to a yearly bill for $48,000! In addition, the purchase of a newer accessible vehicle which costs roughly $30,000. This is a financial challenge I cannot face alone.
To help with the financial burden of expected uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign has been established in my honor with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to help patients and families in need for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law and are held by Help Hope Live in the North-Central Spinal Cord Injury Fund in my honor. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for injury-related expenses. Please consider making a donation today.
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I believe, life isn’t about having or regaining the ability to walk. Life is about mastering the art of transforming a disadvantage into an advantage. Your help can make the difference as I pursue my life purpose of transforming the way the world views abilities! If you can help in any way, I’d deeply appreciate it. Likewise, if you know anyone else who may be interested in helping, please feel free to share. Every little bit counts. Thank you in advance!
Colby Smith
612-532-9610
colbymith2002@hotmail.com
P.S. following is a summary breakdown of the expenses I’m striving to fund:
– My need for non-covered Activity-Based Locomotive Exercise (ABLE) Program at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute = $35,000-$48,000/year
– Repair bridge/cap for fractured tooth caused by car accident 21 years ago = $500
– Replacing my 21-year-old Wheelchair Accessible Van = $30,000
– Personal Physical Therapy Mat = $4,900
– Portable Electronic Ceiling Lift System = $4,400
– Tefla Bandages = $350.40
