On September 21st of last year, Kevin was involved in an accident swimming off the Delaware shore. As a result of this accident he suffered significant damage to his C3/C4 vertebrae. While his spinal cord is only bruised—not severed—the accident left Kevin paralyzed below the shoulders and dependent upon a ventilator to breathe.
After three months of intensive treatment in Philadelphia, he was cleared to fly back to Portland. At home, he continued his recovery work at a series of rehabilitation facilities. In March of this year, Kevin and Sue relocated to a wheelchair-accessible apartment in North Portland. Kevin has continued to dedicate himself to the rehabilitation work that will one day let him breathe on his own, use his arms, and—by the grace of God—move his legs again.
Anyone who knows Kevin knows the delight he took in the outdoors; the pleasure he took in cycling and hiking across Oregon, and his evening strolls with Sue. He brought this kinetic joy to his work as head of the Portland Workforce Alliance, a non-profit dedicated to connecting young Portlandians with local businesses—providing them training, mentorship, and the ability to plan a brighter future for themselves. Now, after a lifetime of helping others, Kevin needs our help.
The cost of rehabilitation and around-the-clock nursing has been expensive. Kevin and Sue were planners, but their insurance and savings will not cover all their costs. Our family needs help meeting some key needs:
A smart rehabilitation-cycle that will use electrodes to help stimulate and strengthen Kevin’s muscles, helping prevent atrophy and improving his chance of recovery.
A wheelchair-accessible van that will allow Kevin and Sue to move beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood. This will help them access medical facilities, go to Church, visit friends and family, and get Kevin back into Oregon’s great outdoors.
Finally, given Kevin’s current dependence on a ventilator, it is vital that he has in-home nursing. While we hope that his rehabilitation will help us move beyond this requirement, at the moment it is both essential and costly.
Kevin has led a full life and gathered a dear group of friends and colleagues in his travels. Many of you have asked: “what can I do to support Kevin?” This is an important way you can help. Donations to Help Hope Live will directly benefit Kevin’s rehabilitation effort, allowing him the opportunity to live a fuller life.
We are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury. We chose Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductible 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.
Thank you for your prayers, support, and generosity.
The family of Kevin Jeans-Gail
To send donations by credit card please press the GIVE button and fill out the requested information.
For Checks:
Make checks payable to: Help Hope Live
Note in memo section: In honor of Kevin Jeans-Gail
Please send to: 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.
