The accident happened right outside of TJ’s brothers neighborhood. As we exited the neighborhood all four lanes of traffic were at a complete stop. EMS and fire were already gone only police remained waiting the arrival of a tow truck. I saw his motorcycle in what was later counted to be 27 large pieces and four 5 gallon buckets of smaller pieces… and I fell to my knees in tears. I thought I was never going to see him again. It was 3 hours later before we got to see him, what seemed like an absolute eternity, but I was SO incredibly thankful he was alive!! But this was all just the beginning of a huge turn in our lives we never saw coming.
TJ had suffered a spinal cord injury that severed his spinal cord and broke his C6-C7-T1 leaving him now, a quadriplegic. He has no feeling from the chest down or use of his hands. He also suffered a fracture of four ribs, T1-T6, C-2 and multiple head and face fractures. His greatest fear was now his reality. In the next couple days he struggled for his life as his lungs were collapsing. But he fought and persevered. On February 14, Valentine’s Day, TJ asked me to marry him.
We left Charlotte and he was transported on February 28th to The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. A hospital that specializes in Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries. We remained there until June 9. During this time I watched TJ experience every emotion possible and within every right to do so, I can never begin to imagine what he must feel everyday. Monday through Friday was filled with rehab from 8am-4pm and regardless of the pain, he pushed through. Through his pain and his struggle he took it upon himself to do anything he could to bring a smile or laughter to others as they endured their challenges. TJ has always been the type of person to go out of his way to help someone else and regardless of the circumstances that desire has never left him.
In spite of the months of rehab, TJ did not gain back any functionality and upon our return home to Charleston, SC his reality has been incredibly bitter. TJ has two sons ages ten and six and the inability to interact with them as before has broken his heart and his spirit, the struggle for him is incredibly difficult and my heart breaks for him and I would take his place if I could. Being unable to care for himself, I am now also his full time caregiver. I must use what is called a Hoyer lift to place him in his power wheelchair and into bed. I must turn him every few hours in bed to prevent sores. I must take care of his bathroom needs and give him his medications on schedule. He needs my help to eat and to drink. We work as a team and make everyday the best that we can.
God has a reason why he’s still here and it’s because his boys need him. I need him and every person that loves him, needs him. His two sons now reside with us full time.
We’ve researched Stem Cell treatments and that, with increasing medical expenses and need for medical equipment that can greatly improve his quality of life, that is purpose for which we will be holding this fundraiser, to allow every opportunity possible to him to allow him to get back on his feet. His surgeon told us he had a 93% chance of never walking again and we plan to prove him wrong!
We 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!
