Help HOPE Live for Elijah Powell
WHATEVER IT TAKES for Elijah Powell
On May 19, 2020, Elijah Powell was a passenger in a serious car accident.
As a result, Elijah suffered a severe spinal cord injury as well as a significant brain injury, collapsed lung, fractured wrist. After over a month in ICU at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Elijah will transfer to Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. He has made significant improvement, but will require a great deal of support moving forward.
Elijah is a special individual and means so much to his friends, family, and community. Those who meet Elijah are immediately drawn to him. At the young age of 18, Elijah is a shining light, and has an infectious smile that warms a room. He is kind and generously shares his time and talents to help others.
Before the accident, Elijah lived a full and active life. His favorite things to do were skateboarding, spending time with his girlfriend and friends, and, did I mention, SKATEBOARDING. He went to Evening High School while working full time at Fieldstone Animal Inn. As long as I can remember, Elijah had a gentle way with and love for animals, and he was a standout employee because of that. This spring, Elijah decided to focus on getting his diploma full time, and he resigned from his position. He returned to Old Mill High School to get his last few credits, and he was scheduled to graduate in 2020 with a plan to enlist in the United States Coast Guard.
Our mission is to raise funds for Elijah to have a complete and full life, regardless of the outcome of his recovery. WHATEVER IT TAKES!
Elijah has a long way to go and there are so many unknowns – mainly the cost of his care. For now, there are two costs we are sure about:
#1 – $45,000
Elijah will need “The Freedom Bed” which is ideal for Spinal Cord recovery. You can check it out at www.pro-bed.com. (If the link doesn’t work, type it into your browser bar.)
#2 – $50,000 – $75,000
Elijah will need a wheelchair accessible vehicle. After he returns home, he will need transportation for outpatient therapy and ongoing care.
Our goal is to raise $250,000. We need your help. Every donation matters, whatever the amount. Please also consider a monthly recurring donation, or checking to see if your employer will match your gift.
Please share Elijah’s story with your friends, family, churches, businesses, etc. Thank you in advance for your support!
DONATIONS TAKE A FEW DAYS TO POST. THANK YOU ALL
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Elijah and his family chose to fundraise through Help Hope Live in part because they assure 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 for Elijah. 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.
Updates (8)
April 25, 2026
We wanted to share an important update on Elijah’s fundraising journey. At this time, we have paused fundraising efforts for Elijah’s adaptive motorbike. While we were incredibly grateful to receive a $4,000 grant from the Kelly Brush Foundation, we were unable to access those funds because we had not yet raised the remaining balance needed for the bike. Since the overall cost is so high, we made the decision to shift our focus for now.The exciting news is that Elijah has started to regain feeling in the lower half of his body. Things are truly beginning to look up, and we are filled with hope for what lies ahead.Because of this progress, we are now fundraising for a month-long stay at NextStep Orlando this November. During that time, Elijah will participate in adaptive sports and intensive activity-based therapy designed to build on the momentum he is gaining. This opportunity could be life-changing, but we need to raise these funds quickly. We want to focus fully on Elijah’s recovery. The reality is that the system is not built to make this kind of healing journey easy—but we are determined to keep pushing forward.Thank you to everyone who has supported Elijah so far. Your encouragement, prayers, and generosity mean more than words can express. We are hopeful, and we are not giving up.
December 3, 2025
Elijah is raising funds for his adaptive mountain bike — a life-changing piece of equipment that costs $26,000. He recently borrowed one, and the joy on his face said everything. Before his accident, he was an extreme skateboarder, and this bike lets him reclaim a piece of that freedom and passion he thought was lost. Thank you for helping us bring that feeling back to him. Every share and every dollar truly matters. ❤️
April 7, 2025
Since September, 2024, Elijah has been working hard in PT and OT at Kennedy Krieger's outpatient Spinal Cord program. He recently participated in an adaptive mountain biking event. He was able to test an awesome off-road hand cycle and loved it. There are a few small grants in the works, but all of them combined don't cover a fraction of the cost. Thank you for your donations. Stay tuned for a fundraising event this summer.
March 25, 2024
In July, 2023 Elijah's pressure wound healed after almost 2 years, 3 surgeries and months in the hospital. Due to being on bed rest, he lost a lot of strength and flexibility. Our present goal is to help Elijah get stronger and more healthy. He's had a hard time getting motivated after such a setback.
We were raising funds to get to NextStepOrlando for rehab, but want to shift gears to help Elijah get a little stronger first. We're raising funds toward a custom all-terrain bike. (starting with a Facebook auction) The bike will make PT fun and may give him a little of that feeling of going fast like he used to when he jumped on that skateboard.
Once his wound healed, Elijah said he wanted to get in the ocean. So he did, in an inflatable boat. He rode 3 waves into the shore, and got dumped out of the boat once. He had an amazing time, and so did everyone at the beach watching him. Check out his smile in the campaign album. The surf was so rough that day, and I wished we had someone a few feet taller to take Elijah out past the breaking surf. With that said, I will still drag him out into the ocean as many times as I can stand if given the chance again. The joy on his face that day was worth it.
Elijah deserves a full life. Please contribute to this campaign, and Elijah's quality of life. Consider a recurring gift.
Thank you all.
June 15, 2023
Life has been a rollercoaster since Elijah came home from the hospital on his 19th birthday, September 25th, 2020. The early days of recovery were extremely difficult. Elijah worked hard to gain strength and flexibility doing Physical therapy at The University of Maryland and exercising at home. He graduated High School in 2021, in spite of all of the challenges he faced.
In May 2021, we spent a month in Florida and Elijah attended Next Step Orlando, an amazing outpatient activity based rehabilitation program. On his first day at Next Step he did 4 pullups, and the last day there he was able to do more than 40.
In October 2021, Elijah developed a pressure wound and had the first of three surgeries to heal it. He has spent most of his time on bed rest since then. The last surgery was done in March 2023, when they discovered osteomyelitis (an infection in his bone). He spent several weeks in the hospital treating the infection and has been doing everything he can to heal since then.
During all of this time on bed rest, he lost a lot of strength and flexibility. The pressure wound is almost fully healed, and Elijah is looking forward to getting back to Physical therapy.
We are fundraising now for a trip to Next Step. Therapy sessions are $100/hr, and unfortunately, they aren’t covered by insurance.
Thank you for the love and support we have received over these last few years.
Please consider a donation toward Elijah's therapy at Next Step Orlando. Thank you
August 29, 2020
So many positive things have happened since my last update. Elijah is getting stronger every day. He is breathing, eating, speaking all in his own. The trach has been removed!!! Elijah has a long way to go for his physical recovery but he is in good spirits and is ready to fight to regain his abilities.
We anticipate he will be at Mount Washingtonl for about 3 more weeks and then hopefully off to QLI in Nebraska.
So far your donations have provided the materials for a wheelchair ramp into the home, a roll in shower, and a shower chair for Elijah. we are extremely grateful
We have a long way to go to reach the goal of $250,000, Please donate if you can, and share with your network. We appreciate it
July 17, 2020
Yesterday marks two weeks at Mt. Washington Pediatric hospital and positive things are happening for Elijah. He is gaining strength and weight. He is breathing room air now and his lungs are looking strong. His trach was downsized, and he will begin trials with capping it next week. We are hopeful it will be removed before he comes home.
With the help of the awesome speech therapy team he is talking!!!!!! He had swallow tests and did very well. I was able to take soft food to him the last two days. They still have him on low stimulation because of his brain injury. He gets headaches and dizzy with too much activity.
Elijah has a long way to go, but he is looking better each day. They estimated the length of his stay between 8 to 12 weeks. I have applied to a Non-profit in Nebraska that specializes in spinal cord injuries for continued recovery beyond the pediatric hospital. Please say a little prayer for his next step.
July 2, 2020
Thanks everyone for your donations and LOVE. Donations take a few days to show up. But I see your messages of support. #ElijahStrong
Photo Galleries (2)
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Guestbook
April 26, 2026
So glad to hear your amazing news! Never give up and you have many people praying for you ❤️
Jennifer Merrell
December 4, 2025
Go Elijah!
Katy McGuire
November 29, 2025
Continued prayers, Elijah! ♥️
Miranda Lamont
April 9, 2024
Elijah keep up the fight. Your life might look a little different and your dreams may have changed but you are still here. Find your purpose and run with it. Sending all my love and admiration your way. You are one tough young man!
Lisa Leto
December 1, 2020
Please continue to support Elijah and Ammie!
Debbie Staigerwald
November 14, 2020
God bless you
Cam Ailiff
November 2, 2020
This is a wonderful way to help my Great-Nephew Elijah. He is a very dear child.
Ruth Massimini
October 23, 2020
Sending positive vibes...
Tyrone Mathewson
October 22, 2020
I Love You Annie, Give Elijah My Love.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Shawn Sharpe
August 31, 2020
God bless and revive you Elijah.
Anonymous
August 26, 2020
You got this!!! Sending you much love from Texas
Crystal Moubray
August 24, 2020
We will continue to believe Gods healing for Elijah!!!
Stanford and Connie Spencer
August 21, 2020
Keep it positive brother. You gonna get thru this ✊
Mike Duffy
August 18, 2020
My hope is that Elijah is on the road to a full recovery and that this small gift may, in some way, help.
Paul Bilenki
August 17, 2020
I’m a friend of Amanda’s. Just wanted you to know that your son and your family are in my thoughts. I cannot imagine facing something like this during such uncertain times. Praying for a fast recovery!
Cleo Driscoll
August 16, 2020
Ammie, I wish I could give more to help you and your boy. I would give you the moon and the stars if I could! Please know I think of you both every day. I pray he comes home to you soon and that he is healed best he can be. I know he’s in the best of hands, getting the best care, and I can’t help but think my mom is watching over him as well. Sending lots of love. Amanda, Claude and Gabby
Amanda Bilenki
August 16, 2020
Keep the faith Elijah!
Katy McGuire
August 12, 2020
Sending positive vibes
Lori DePietro Standen
August 11, 2020
Keep fighting! God is with you!
Debbie Staigerwald
August 7, 2020
I love yall!!! Sending positive healing light yalls way!
Sabrina Bair
August 6, 2020
Aimee. We think of you and Elijah every day. All our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Kimberly Becker
August 5, 2020
Stay strong! Sending Prayers - JoAnn & Rod <3
JoAnn Howell
August 4, 2020
Keep your spirits high!
courtney colton
August 3, 2020
Stay strong!!!
Katherine Lipinski
July 22, 2020
We are here for you #elijahstrong
christine dipietro
July 17, 2020
Expecting Miracles Only!
Joseph Anastasio
July 17, 2020
We are covering you in prayers for healing, Elijah!! You've got this!
Donna Stranz-Zimmerman
July 10, 2020
Joy,
Well wishes for your grandson. Thanks for the opportunity to reach out and help.
Peace and Love,
Cyn❤
Cynthia Washington
July 9, 2020
Melony Griffith
July 9, 2020
Hi Elijah,
So thankful to see you getting stronger, healing inside and out. Please know that my prayers are strong along with the thousands of others who continue to pray for you daily. Please let your mom know to look for a package from me. By the way, I hope you like the poster I created for you. Just wanted you to \"meet\" some family members you never got a chance to know.
Love U,
Grandma Joy
Joy Alford
July 6, 2020
love u lots, were rooting for u don’t let anyone dull ur sunshine
Mystri and Pam Edge
July 6, 2020
To the strongest, most kind hearted kid you’ll ever know . We love to the moon and back, Puddinhead .We’re here for you.... Whatever it takes. Love Yāda & Gramps
Deborah Ducker
July 4, 2020
much love
Ciera Wilderman
July 4, 2020
Prayers
The Shoops’
July 4, 2020
Praying ❤️
Amy Leisner
July 4, 2020
Sending love ❤️
Chelsea Logsdon
July 4, 2020
Can’t wait to hear about what you decide to do next! Keep those dreams alive.
Kim Spence
July 4, 2020
Sending thoughts and prayers to Elijah and his family, hoping for a speedy and successful recovery ❤️
Olivia Hicks
July 3, 2020
Hoping and praying for a quick recovery.
Eric and Danielle Webber
July 3, 2020
Keep staying strong. You guys are gonna get through this!
Karah McKenzie
July 3, 2020
Stay strong Elijah!!
Lauren Nelson
July 3, 2020
I know you will pull through all of this Elijah and I look forward to seeing you in school next year!
Mrs Thompson
Liz Thompson
July 3, 2020
We’re rooting for you, Elijah! Stay strong!
Chris Knoerlein
July 3, 2020
Elijah stay strong buddy. I wish you all the best. Cant wait to see you!
Allison Hickman
July 2, 2020
i’ve only met you once but your kindness towards me, a stranger, and lilly stuck with me ever since. i am praying for a speedy recovery.♥️
lane johnson
July 2, 2020
i wish you and your family the best.
Laylaa lewis
July 2, 2020
Go
Laurie Specht
July 2, 2020
Praying for you n yours
Summer Mann
July 2, 2020
My motto is $1 goes a long way. I worked with this woman a few years & we share the same birthday a few years apart! I met Elijah a few times and no one asks or deserves this, we have no control but to keep the faith and help this young man & his momma fight to make the best out of whatever the outcome may be! I wish I had more to give because as a single mom I feel the pain. I talked with her and she is amazing how she is holding together for her boy, her one & only baby!! I give it to her she really is better than most would be but she gotta be there for him!! I love ya girl!
Tonya Kline
July 2, 2020
Elijah.....I met a few times working with his wonderful mother. A strong woman who has never given up hope and always there for her boy!!! I am definitely thinking of you and I will donate as often as I can because as a single momma myself I couldn\'t imagine. Prayers & love sent for you both!
Always remember $1 goes a long way!!!
Tonya
July 2, 2020
hope he gets better soon!!
jacqui genereux
July 2, 2020
Wishing you a quick recovery ❤️ Much love.
Kearra Berrenger
July 2, 2020
You guys got this!
Morgan Peach
July 2, 2020
People need money! Treatment isn’t cheap. Step up people!
Tony Palma
July 2, 2020
get well soon <3 lilly loves you
Anonymous
July 2, 2020
feel better!! - adriannah and my associate rachel (the girls from the lunch table)
Adriannah Martin
July 2, 2020
I wish and pray for this young man's healing, that it be quick and beautiful. Blessings to his family, friends, and the biggest blessings to him!
Sa'Phyre Payne
July 2, 2020
I'm keeping you all in my prayers. Much love ❤️
Liza Mupende
July 1, 2020
God Bless ❤️.
Emily Elliott
July 1, 2020
Prayers for you & your family!
Jordan Cahill
July 1, 2020
Elijah, we are rooting for you!!
Ammie, I am here for you! I love you!!!!
#ElijahStrong
Melani Douglass
July 1, 2020
You got this Elijah! Prayers for quick healing!
Amber Gazarek
