Talented graphic designer. Enthusiastic youth group leader. Avid cyclist. Disciplined athlete. Ambitious graduate student. Eternal optimist. Nick Younglove was just hitting his stride when a tragic injury paralyzing him from the chest down turned his life upside-down and now threatens not only to take away those things he loved, but his ability to take care of himself.
While on a family reunion in Michigan on July 18, 2017, the 27-year-old from Lisle, Ill., shattered his C6 vertebrae in his spinal column when he dove into an area of shallow water while playing with his younger cousins. He was immediately rushed to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Ind., where he underwent extensive emergency surgery. He now faces an extremely arduous road to recovery.
Prior to the accident, Nick was a vibrant and athletic individual who enjoyed water skiing, whitewater rafting, biking, hiking and working out at the gym daily. But, what Nick is best known for, other than his impeccable fashion sense, is his contagious enthusiasm for life, his kindness toward others and his eternal optimism. Despite receiving the life-altering news that he is now paralyzed (spinal cord injury-SCI) and will require extensive care, treatment and therapy to even hope to regain movement and heal, his incredible spirit, positive outlook and determination continues to endure. This has been a source of inspiration to his family, friends and the many doctors and nurses who have come to know him.
He has begun feeding himself, and his spirit and mental ability to handle this challenge makes anyone look in the mirror and say, “How could I ever complain about anything in my life when Nick hasn’t been anything but upbeat, gracious, friendly and happy to every single person he has come in contact with since the accident?”
Nick and his family have faith in God that he will walk again, and the doctors agree that there are many treatments and breakthroughs being utilized that can greatly help, but it will be a long journey filled with many ups and downs, as well as being an incredibly expense endeavor. The rapid response of his surgical team and some movement in his arms are positive signs. However, as in most spinal cord injuries, the next three to 12 months will be the most crucial for his recovery.
According to the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation, the cost of a spinal cord injury in the first year after the injury ranges from about $300,000 to a little more than $1 million. Additional costs in the years following can range from $42,000 to $200,000, depending upon the injury, treatment protocols, prognosis and other factors.
Like many millennials besieged with stagnant wages and the rising cost of everything, Nick purchased a low-cost HMO plan because he had to leave his parent’s insurance once he turned 27. His insurance plan will pay for very little of what Nick needs and all the red tape caused a delay in his transport to a much needed rehabilitation center while the clock was ticking.
Like most hard-working, middle class families, Nick’s family does not have the resources to pay for the expense of this mandatory rehabilitation. They will be exhausting all means to do what they can, but the family needs help. Unfortunately, health insurance doesn’t cover the extent of these types of life-altering, long-term care situations, and only the very rich can afford the best care possible to help a loved one.
Nick was denied entry into Chicago’s Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (the top spinal cord rehabilitation facility in the nation) due to his insurance coverage. Nick was since been moved to another rehabilitation center, and even though they all agree that the best chance of recovery is to be where the technology and breakthroughs are happening, at any rehabilitation center the costs will be staggering.
There have been many stories of people who have recovered from similar injuries with fast and aggressive therapy. Nick’s youth, excellent health and outstanding positive attitude are major factors doctors have noted that could help lead to a positive outcome.
Your support can help Nick and his family pursue the aggressive therapy he needs that may help heal his spine, regain his sense of feeling in his arms and legs, and hopefully, allow him to walk again. Nick has inspired so many people to want to be a better friend, sibling and spouse through the example of the life he leads. A life where he never says a negative word about anyone, finds the positive in all situations and tries to make everyone’s day a little better with a smile, a witty retort and some seriously stylish attire.
Nick was born and raised in Frankfort, Ill, where his family still resides. He is a 2008 alumnus of Lincoln-Way East High School where he was active in marching and concert band. In 2012, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at Bradley University and was a church group leader at Parkview Christian Church from 2013-2016. In 2014, he joined the Marketing and Communications team at Benedictine University and was working there and pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the time of his accident.
He has made such an impression on people throughout his life, that they have been communicating with him daily as they try to offer support and well wishes. In true fashion, Nick is the one making them laugh and helping to relieve their worry as he faces this major challenge. Please consider helping a truly good person regain what he can of his movement and self-reliance, so he can continue to make the biggest impact on all those around him.
Together, we can overcome the limitations in our health care system and give Nick the same care every human has the right to regardless of their financial status
Donations to Help Hope Live in Nick’s honor, will help ease the financial burden.
Nick has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button. And please consider sharing this link with others so they may donate as well.
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In honor of Nick Younglove
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Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
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