I’m writing you today in hopes that you will read my story and see my dream. As many of you may know, I have always loved horses and I started riding when I was 12 years old. I rode for the next ten years until my accident.
On August 12, 2003 the horse I was riding, named Little Bandit, decided to rear up. Within a couple of seconds the animal fell sideways on top of me. My C5 and C6 vertebrae dislocated, instantly paralyzing me from the torso down. I spent approximately four months in the hospital and, though my doctors said my chances of walking were slim to none, I took it upon myself to keep exercising and stretching.
After several years of swimming, yoga, acupuncture, and weight lifting my body’s muscular system started reacting like ripples in the water. Where I was only able to lift a pound with my biceps in the past I am now able to lift twenty pounds. My triceps, laterals, abdominals, and hip flexors have all regained movement. I have worked hard to regain my strength and I hope that you will recognize my determination to walk.
For the past 14 months I have been attending the SCI Recovery Project in my home city of Denver, Colorado. In that time I’ve regained some leg movement that allows me to do squats and ride a stationary bike where, prior to the program, I wasn’t able to move my legs at all. That progress does require money though. My goal is to raise $10,000 per year for the next seven years in order to allow me to continue to progress in this program and aid in my recovery.
Unfortunately this program is not covered by my insurance, so I have 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!
All donations are tax deductible and would be sincerely appreciated in order to help me move toward my ultimate goal of walking again!
Heather Griego
303-927-8377
www.scirecoveryproject.org
