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Help Dianne Voyage Forward
On July 19, 2020 my life changed in a heartbeat.
I fell 12 feet, was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery for a C6 spinal cord injury. The first couple of weeks were the hardest I faced in my 28 years.
In addition to not being able to move anything from my chest down it was extremely difficult to breathe. I had fractured my right scapula and punctured a lung. I needed chest tubes, a respirator, and then later a tracheotomy. I spent 4 weeks in the ICU and my health care team helped me thankfully overcome pneumonia and breathe again on my own. I’ve since been able to transfer to a rehabilitation hospital in Boston. My days here are filled with intense physical therapy and occupational therapy. I am working extremely hard towards my new normal.
I love being outdoors and being active. I ran track and played soccer and lacrosse in high school. I went on to play Division 1 lacrosse at Brown University and was honored to serve as a team captain my senior year, Go Bears! Since graduating, I’ve remained active by hiking and traveling, and last year ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. After college I earned my Master’s degree as a Physician’s Assistant. Prior to my fall, I was working with a surgical group in a hospital near my hometown in Syracuse, N.Y. – I absolutely loved what I did.
I feel so blessed to have had the support of my family and many amazing, loving friends over these past several weeks. The road ahead is a long one and many people have asked how they can help. I’m not one to ask for help, but I am determined to make the most of all of this and I recognize that this will require me leaning on others for assistance. Even with insurance and the support of my family, the cost of my care and future accommodations will be substantial. I want to return to a career where I can help others, and this will require many out-of-pocket expenses such as home and vehicle accommodations, wheelchairs, continued therapy, and quite possibly home health support. For this reason, I have decided to utilize the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and all they offer.
For those looking to help, donations to Help Hope Live will help support me rebuild my life. I thank you in advance for your support.
Dianne Vitkus
Family and friends of Dianne Vitkus are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
Dianne 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!
Updates (3)
October 7, 2020
As I approach a new chapter in this journey of mine I want to again thank everyone who has supported me. From directly donating to my campaign, running 100 miles for #milesforvitty, boot camp fundraisers, silent auctions to sending along words and care packages of encouragement, thank you. I am speechless that I have met my fundraising goal with over 600 contributors!!! That truly takes my breath away. I love that people are sharing my story and bringing a community together that was never intended to exist. I am being discharged from Spaulding this Friday after two months of intensive inpatient rehab and could not be happier. I will be staying in Boston to continue to utilize Spaulding for out patient therapy. Unfortunately, I still have a long road ahead of me. In about a month I will require a second surgery to stabilize the hardware in my neck. This is necessary, and I have no doubt that this community will help get me through it. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your support as I raise my fundraising goal to help support my next chapter.
September 13, 2020
I am blown away by all the love and support I am receiving. I want to thank everyone for their contributions and encouraging messages. I have been at Spaulding one month now. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I have said goodbye to my power chair and I’m permanently in a manual chair, I am able to sit up in bed, get dressed and get my legs to the side of the bed while maintaining my balance. I am now working on transferring from my bed to my wheelchair. Everyday I am getting stronger, making strides, and getting closer to my goal of regaining my independence. I will continue to work, and I’m so thankful to have you supporting me, you all truly motivate me each and every day.
September 3, 2020
Photo Galleries (1)
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Guestbook
October 26, 2020
Once a pelican, always a pelican. The Loomis GV Lax team keeps you in our thoughts and want you to know you make us proud. Keep staying strong! Seniors: Caroline Appleyard, Selia Coady, Katie Daileader, Alex Darrah, Donatella DeFazio, Taylor Guarino, Whitney Julian, Gisele Todd Juniors: Mk Briglio, Lexie Mae Hydrick, Grace Morganthaler, Teagan Williams Sophomores: Maggie Bankowski, Turner Brode, Hamilton Doster, Kaitlin Flynn, Maggie Johnson, Fiona Murphy Freshman: Celia Briglio, Allison Del Sarto, Liv Perriello, Annie Shactman Coaches: Stephanie Bissett, Molly Strabley ('13)
Loomis Lacrosse
October 24, 2020
Dianne keep going strong! Your progress is inspiring!! You are in our thoughts and prayers
Judy Coye
October 22, 2020
Inspired by your strength - Brown Men's Soccer '17 with some help from friends
Christian Rodriguez
October 22, 2020
Your strength is inspiring, nothing stands in your way <3
Katherine Dority
October 20, 2020
Dear Jim, Suzanne, and Dianne, Sending much love and many prayers. Love and God Bless You, Debbie
Debbie Morello
October 20, 2020
I’m rooting for you Vitty
Julie Besser
October 17, 2020
You go Dianne!
Steve Debbie Donigan
October 14, 2020
Dear Diane... Janie told us about your accident and the difficult road to recovery you are on. You have accomplished so much in a short time! With your attitude, strength and the love of your family and friends behind you, we are sure you will go very far! Sending love and prayers for your continued upward climb!! ❤️ Paula Ron and Janie Gion
Paula Gion
October 14, 2020
I don’t know, but I am rooting for you. What incredible progress you've made. From a capable, athletic, giving woman, to an individual with a long road to recovery, I hope you feel the support of the many, many people who have rallied behind you with empathy, compassion, kindness and hope. This donation I'm making is really that of your friend, Brett Scheifflee, who generously donated a painting to support you. I am the lucky recipient, and so I pass on his gift with this monetary donation. I’ve always agreed with the sentiment that art reflects the beauty of a culture, and this is no exception.
Claire de L'Arbre
October 12, 2020
Di- watching your journey is inspiring. We love you and are praying for you everyday. Can’t wait to see you.
Lindsey Babbles
October 11, 2020
You are an inspiration. Keep up the difficult work. I will pray for you and your family.
Johanna Elliott
October 9, 2020
Dianne....thanks for sharing your story ...your progress and photos. Your road to recovery is challenging I’m sure....Wishing you the best.......
Kathy Harrison
October 9, 2020
We are praying for you Diane XO The Caputo Family
Joanne Caputo
October 9, 2020
SO proud of you Dianne for working so hard towards your progress and your new normal. Thank you for candidly sharing your journey with us!
Kathryn Landon
October 8, 2020
You are an inspiration Dianne! Wishing you all the best- The Spano Family
Jamisan Spano
October 7, 2020
Keep up the good work. You have been in my prayers every night. Sending all our love. Dan and Anne Field
Anne and Daniel Field
October 6, 2020
sending healing love your way.
Elizabeth Petrie-DeVoll
October 6, 2020
Good luck Shelly Love Sharon-Maci- Dylan and Bill OBrien
Bill OBrien
October 5, 2020
Diane we are so impressed with the light that shines forth from you despite this physical challenge. It just goes to show that its not what happens to us but we do with it and how we work through it. You have continued to love, show strength and positivity and I pray your spirit always continues working. God Bless You...Marianne and Marc Angelillo
Marianne Angelillo
October 4, 2020
Dianne - I am thinking and praying for you through this. I am sending you hope and strength to navigate this new normal. You have so many people who love you, I hope you can feel the support. As a member of the Skan community I just want to say, we are with you <3
Chelsea Leveille
October 3, 2020
Diane, You Go Girl!! So proud of all the work you have done! I work in respiratory and took care of you in 8E. I started the high flow and therapy vest!!
Tina Olgeaty-Gorji
October 2, 2020
I am in awe of you Dianne. Your courage, strength and positivity through this journey has truly inspired me. I wish you the best of luck for the fullest recovery possible❤️
Anonymous
October 2, 2020
Dianne, Sending our love and support as you go through this journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all the way. You go girl! Love, Carol, Bill and all the rest of the gang
Carol Carson
October 2, 2020
Your perseverance and positive attitude are an inspiration. Stay strong! The Labeille/Morse Family
Claudine Labeille
October 2, 2020
Proud to call you my friend ❤️
Anonymous
September 29, 2020
God bless you, Dianne.
Karen Brown
September 29, 2020
We are rooting for you every step of the way, Dianne! With love, Val, Stuart & Schultzies All
Val Schultz
September 28, 2020
Dianne, Add us to the many rooting for you on your journey of recovery. Your athletic grit and personal resolve will carry you far. Every gain a victory! Bob and Robin Polachek
Bob and Robin Polachek
September 28, 2020
❤️
Najee Rahman
September 28, 2020
Best wishes for your continued progress
Anonymous
September 28, 2020
Sending love and positive vibes as a member of the Le Moyne PA class of 2019. Your strength is inspirational. You will do great things in your lifetime Diane
Anonymous
September 26, 2020
Dianne, Craig and I send you our best wishes. You have been in our thoughts and prayers since your accident. Following your journey on Instagram - your strength is so inspirational! You are a role model for all. Love, Lizzie Tucker
Elizabeth Tucker
September 25, 2020
You are strong Diane, we admire you very much. Lew McQuarrie & Paulette Melanson
Lewis McQuarrie
September 24, 2020
Praying for a miraculous recovery ❤️
Maria Nickens
September 24, 2020
Dianne, A friend of Beth Findley’s, is a friend of mine- wishing you all positive thoughts and vibes. “Strength isn’t what you have it’s what you give” Keep shining. Catherine Chittick
Catherine Chittick
September 21, 2020
We love you Vitty! Go get your new goals!
Lindsay Minges
September 21, 2020
Wishing you a speedy recovery from your friends from Brown Basketball classes 2013-2018! Stay strong! Ever True!!
Anonymous
September 21, 2020
Dianne, Stay strong and keep after it. That is great about your progress. Knowing you, there is no doubt that you will reach the goals you have set for yourself. Please let us know if there is anything we can do, and remember that we do know a couple of PT's :) We love you! Jim, Linda, Devan, Taylor, Bryce and Maryn Kerr
Jim Kerr
September 21, 2020
To the strongest girl I know. You got this! Keep making progress and we all always have your back. Love you beyond.
Rosie Mangiarotti
September 20, 2020
Dianne, We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers daily. Your motivation is such an inspiration to us all. Love, Mike, Julia, Nick, Max and Elizabeth Wamp
Julia Wamp
September 20, 2020
Dianne, you’re an inspiration!!
Adriana Rodriguez-Baptiste
September 20, 2020
You are a great person! Wishing you the very best with your new set of challenges.
Carolyn Legg
September 20, 2020
You’re one badass woman. We’re here with you every step of the way- Love Britton and Tom
Britton Weber
September 19, 2020
With you Vitty!! Sending you lots of love! XO Janie
Jane Gion
September 19, 2020
Dianne you are in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be during your rehabilitation!
Anne Navaroli
September 19, 2020
<3
Julia Dewey
September 18, 2020
You are amazing and a true hero!!!
Devin Markison
September 18, 2020
Keep up the hard work. One day at a time
Colleen Falgiatano
September 18, 2020
Caroline Zaffino
September 17, 2020
Rooting for you, you got this!! Love from BWL
Casey Hearns
September 17, 2020
What a true model of strength ❤️ Proud to be a Bear because of women like you !! Wishing you luck during your recovery. Roll bears
Alaina Parisella
September 17, 2020
I wish you the best of luck in your recovery! You seem like such a strong woman, and you are definitely bringing pride to the Brown Women's Lacrosse program! Roll Bears. Best wishes, Nathalie Ahn '23 Brown Women's Lacrosse
Nathalie Ahn
September 17, 2020
You are courageous and strong, and we are inspired by you! Love and prayers, The Buells
Diane & Scott Buell
September 17, 2020
Diane, your strength and positive attitude is an inspiration. Keep up the great work. Praying that your recovery continues to go well. Stay strong❤️ The Gray’s- Pat, Mindy, Amanda and Lawrence
Mindy Gray
September 16, 2020
Dianne, My prayers go out to you as you work to overcome your injury. Sincerely, Sam
Sam Broda
September 16, 2020
Best of luck in recovery, Dianne. Thinking of you.
Joseph Prescott
September 16, 2020
We see you are making great progress! Our continued prayers are with you.
Karen and Bill Mehlinger
September 16, 2020
Love seeing all your progress!! You are amazing!!!
Marni Phillips
September 16, 2020
We send you our love Dianne! You are amazing and so strong. The O'Briens, from your BWL family
Denis and Katherine O'Brien
September 16, 2020
Dianne!! Thinking of you always. Keep up the amazing progress. I’ll try to keep a tight leash on KK while you’re away, though you know that’s a two-woman job! You’re an all-star.
Emily Devins
September 16, 2020
You’re strong, you’re tough, you got this! Wishing you the best!
Max Ritchie
September 16, 2020
Sending love from BWL!
KC Williams
September 16, 2020
Thinking of you and sending lots of love your way!
Blair Gage
September 16, 2020
Stay strong Dianne! You are incredible, you’ve got this!
Stephanie Mix
September 16, 2020
We are thinking of you and sending lots of love and support your way!! You are so strong. Keep up the great work! Love, Jeff & Abbi
Jeff Higman
September 16, 2020
We're with you Dianne!
Julie Scuderi
September 16, 2020
Your positivity in such a hard time is truly inspiring! Stay strong. The Igneri and BWL family wishes you the best during your recovery ❤️
Katie Igneri
September 15, 2020
❤️
Mason Warble
September 15, 2020
Thinking of you every single day! You’re the strongest! XOXO
Carly Davis
September 15, 2020
sending love from BWL
Maggie Fowler
September 15, 2020
Thinking of you, Dianne. You're a rockstar!
Jenna Lotkowictz
September 15, 2020
Inspired by your courage, positivity, & warrior mentality. So much love for you Vitty, keep it up!!!
Mollie Lane
September 15, 2020
Sending you all the
Kate Joly
September 15, 2020
Diane - We are rooting for you from 'down the street'. Your optimism and perseverance is an inspiration, keep up the amazing work. Love, Vicki, Dan & Charlie
Victoria Devins
September 15, 2020
Prayers for continued strength in your recovery. Your injury hits home for my family. Our beautiful niece also had a life changing spinal cord injury 6 years ago this month and is one of the strongest women I know. Continue to believe and you can do anything.
Carol Norsesian
September 15, 2020
❤️
Charles Sanchez
September 15, 2020
Dianne, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you the very best! Love, Marc and Renee Angelillo
Marc Angelillo
September 15, 2020
Love you, Diane !
Lindsay Angelillo
September 15, 2020
With our love and blessings to a great girl.
Neil & Christine Strodel
September 14, 2020
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Dianne! Best wishes from your Brown Lacrosse friends! Go Bruno!
Stephen Hudak
September 14, 2020
Miss you Dianne!
Shannon Enders
September 14, 2020
I think my last message got cut off :) Hang in there and keep your spirits up!
Hana Polachek
September 14, 2020
Hi Diane, Thinking of you during this difficult time and sending lots of prayers and well wishes your way. Your perseverance and background as an awesome athlete will definitely help you with your rehabilitation. You will do big thing.
Hana Polachek
September 14, 2020
You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Your strength in this time of hardship in your life is inspiring. We love you. Uncle Tommy and Aunt Steph
Stephanie Domanick
September 14, 2020
Keep fighting Dianne. We love you!
Anonymous
September 14, 2020
You’re amazing, Dianne! Your Brown Lax family is here to support you always. Sending so much love and strength your way!
Kaela McGilloway
September 14, 2020
Dianne, We were heartened to read your update. We wish you continued progress and much love. Beth & Dave Dahle
Beth Dahle
September 13, 2020
Dianne, we were your cheerleaders at Brown and we’ll be your cheerleaders for life! Lots of love, Beth & Mike Lee
Michael Lee
September 13, 2020
Praying for you Dianne! Here if you need anything!
Zak Ahmed
September 13, 2020
Dianne, The Morrissey family is praying and thinking of you as you persevere through this most challenging time. May your winning attitude and support from all those who love and care for you guide you during this time. We cannot wait to see your smiling face again soon...you're an inspiration to all! Much love, Jerry, Kathleen, Maddy, Colin, Kathryn and Casey Morrissey
Jerry Morrissey
September 11, 2020
Hi Dianne, We're sending positive thoughts and healing prayers to you - The Pinckney's
Georgina Pinckney
September 11, 2020
Best wishes and speedy recovery from your friends from Brown Baseball classes 2013-2016! Ever True!!
Anonymous
September 11, 2020
Hi Dianne, I was sent your information from a friend of a friend because you and I have similar stories. I was a ski racer at Middlebury College in Vermont and in my sophomore year I sustained a spinal cord injury. That was 14 years ago and I'm doing great now. I'd love to connect. You can contact me through the "contact" page on my foundation's website, KellyBrushFoundation.org. Good luck in this crazy time in your life and I hope we can connect. Best, Kelly Brush
Kelly Brush
September 11, 2020
Best of luck with your recovery!
Christopher Smith
September 11, 2020
Diane, we are thinking of you and hope the best for your recovery. - Riley and Maddie
Riley McAdaragh
September 11, 2020
Sending you lots of love ❤️
Erica Henriksen
September 11, 2020
Sending lots of well wishes for your recovery and keeping you in my thoughts!
Liz Rogalia
September 11, 2020
Thinking of you always! You got this rockstar❤️
Taylor Rollo
September 11, 2020
You got this Dianne! Sending you prayers, courage, and positive thoughts every day!
Pamela Schoener
September 11, 2020
Dianne--you are truly amazing!! You can do anything you set your mind to. Sending you thoughts and prayers and hoping I can stop by Spaulding sometime soon! xoxo
Lisa Parsons
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Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Dianne M Vitkus
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Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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