Steph and her husband moved to Greenwich, CT in 2004 and immediately became a part of the community. That year she joined the Junior League of Greenwich, in which, she continues to serve having taken on a variety of leadership positions over the years. In addition, for many years she sat on the Board of the United Way of Greenwich and, more recently, since 2015, on the Board of the Metro NY North Chapter of the American Red Cross. In addition, she is a dedicated wife and mother to a wonderful son Sean who also worked full-time. On top of all this, she has served on the North Street and Central Middle School PTA Boards in various capacities and most recently PTA President at Central Middle School. She also was recently appointed to the First Selectman’s Advisory Committee for People With Disabilities.
In mid-January 2018, Steph suffered a devastating stroke in her spinal cord, which caused immediate paralysis. Recovery from the stroke is impossible to determine, and Steph is facing years of therapy and a life time of pain. Nevertheless, she is fighting to regain strength and movement in her lower body. She travels as frequently as possible to hospital rehabilitation centers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, cobbling together physical therapy sessions in the hopes of regaining mobility and quality of life. The great news is that the therapy is working; her strength and mobility are increasing and there is much to be hopeful about though she remains paralyzed from the waist down.
Steph is now a two years out from her injury. She, her husband Jim and soon to be 15 year old son Sean are now faced with the reality that their lives will never be the same. We are seeking this assistance as Steph has not been able to work since the stroke, and the costs attendant to this life changing catastrophic event are extremely high, continue to mount and are constantly evolving as Steph’s condition transform to give her new challenges.
Most people are not aware that Stephanie has many needs that are not covered by any insurance. Deductibles for medicine, out-of-pocket medical costs, modifications of a vehicle and the costs of a daily caregiver are not covered by insurance and these are just the basics associated with her care.
We are seeking assistance to create a fund for Stephanie for the following items:
• To pursue new and promising treatments in the area of bio-medical intervention and clinical trials
• To visit SCI Rehabilitation Centers of Excellence on a regular basis
• To create a rehabilitation area in Steph’s home with an FES Bike to regain as much strength and mobility as possible
• To build a lift in Steph’s home, so that she can regain independence and freedom
• To purchase an electronic wheelchair, that can also enable her to be upright, so she can easily get around and stand up without assistance!
• To complete additional accommodations/modifications in their home to make it a safer environment for Steph
Steph has always been an amazing person, but the determination, positive attitude and tenacity that she displays continuously during this challenge in her life truly make her a warrior and a hero to all that are lucky enough to know her. Even as she struggles, she remains attentive to members of the community who themselves need help, calling all of us to action, enlisting support for other people who need it and always remaining focused on aiding others. The assistance we seek for Steph will enable her to continue to participate in her community as the force for good she has always been. We thank you for your consideration of our request.
#StephBStrong
Family and friends of Stephanie Berthiaune-Cowie are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Illness.
Stephanie has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility 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.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
