I underwent emergency surgery at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, GA to try to repair my damaged C6 C7 vertebrae. After surgery and many days in the ICU, I started getting sensations back in my lower body but was still paralyzed from the waist down, unable to move my legs, feet, toes, and hips. After 3 weeks at Hamilton Medical Center, I was transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta GA, a specialized hospital for spinal cord injuries. Over the next 4 months, I gained some strength and relearned how to do daily activities. By the time I left, I could move my big toes.

I am still healing and trying to gain as much strength, function, and independence as possible. The first couple years are important in healing, and therapy and exercise are key! I have been attending an exercised based therapy program, but participation is expensive and not covered by insurance. With your help, I can continue the progress that I have been making and to hopefully one day be able to do the things I once was, especially running outside with my six-year-old son!

To help with the of 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 Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund. Donations are allocated by Help Hope Live based on financial need for medical expenses. Please consider donating today.

I am grateful for anything you can do in helping me be able to continue my injury recovery.