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At age 21, due to a tragic accident, Rebecca is paralyzed from the neck down and unable to breathe on her own. Please help her get the spinal cord injury care and rehab she so urgently needs. ( If you want to follow Rebecca’s journey to recovery, scroll down and click “Subscribe”)
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It’s your worst nightmare: a horrific accident that, in an instant, changes your life and the lives of your family forever.
On Saturday, March 13, 2021, Rebecca Aleck Koltun, a healthy, vibrant young woman about to graduate college, was in a life-threatening ski accident in which she suffered catastrophic injuries to her neck and spinal cord. A determined team of some 20 EMTs and other medical professionals ultimately saved her life, but the devastating outcome is that Rebecca is now paralyzed from the neck down. She can see, hear and understand, but is unable to move her arms or legs, and she can’t breathe on her own: She will be dependent on a ventilator for the foreseeable future. The injury to her spinal cord—C1-C2, incomplete—is similar to that suffered years ago by actor Christopher Reeve. The medical name for her condition is quadriplegia.
We all know and love Rebecca as a strong, smart, ambitious, funny and determined young woman. In addition to being an avid skier, soccer player and New York Times crossword puzzle whiz, she’s also a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, friend, classmate and teammate. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that she was planning to attend medical school after graduating from Binghamton University this May. And we have no doubt Rebecca will approach the challenges she now faces with the same passion and fortitude. She already is.
In addition to coping with overwhelming shock, Rebecca’s parents—Scott and Audrey–now face exorbitant medical bills that their health insurance does not cover. In the first year alone, the cost of Rebecca’s care will likely exceed $1 million in out-of-pocket expenses, and there will be additional costs for modifying their home and purchasing the equipment necessary to address her needs, such as a customized van, specialized exercise equipment for strengthening and preventing atrophy of her muscles and a wheelchair, as well as a home care provider to help with her daily tasks and exercise.
If you are able, please consider supporting Rebecca and her family—Scott, Audrey and Rebecca’s brother, Erik–as they cope with the heartbreak of Rebecca’s injuries and the financial challenges ahead. Your contribution will help cover the cost of daily care and therapy she needs when she transfers to an in-patient rehab facility which specializes in treating and rehabilitating people with severe spinal cord injuries. She and her family will be forever grateful.
The first year of Rebecca’s treatment will be critical. Upon discharge from the hospital, Rebecca will need to spend months in rehab, receiving care almost around the clock. Research and experience indicate that in some instances, and with the supervision of trained experts, people with spinal cord injuries may recover partial function. Those gains typically come during the first twelve months of treatment and require a highly qualified team who will work with Rebecca daily, using cutting-edge medical equipment and technology. The right strengthening or range of motion exercises could pave the way for Rebecca to one day walk or use her hands again. That’s why these first few weeks and months are the most crucial time to provide support.
That Rebecca survived this devastating accident is nothing short of a miracle. It is proof of her love for life and strong sense of purpose. It’s important to remember, she’s still Rebecca, and she’s still a fighter. Rebecca has brightened our lives for 21 years. Now let’s join together to brighten hers.
We have chosen to fundraise for the Koltuns through Help Hope Live because the organization assures fiscal accountability for funds raised. You can be sure your donation will be used to pay or reimburse medical and care-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to support Rebecca’s care (by credit or debit card), simply click the Give button. If you prefer to donate by check, instructions are on the left side of the page under Mail a Check.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
Dear Friends and Family:
Today is four weeks since Becca’s accident and the day we began this new phase in our lives. Without getting too deep or philosophical I choose to look at is as the day our Rebecca was reborn.
Audrey and I continue to take it day by day here in Boston. The fact that Rebecca can eat solid food and enjoy it is a game changer. As she told me yesterday she is now gaining the power and ability to control her diet which is very important to her. She is still receiving tube feedings however.
As many of you know talking has been difficult for her with the ventilator however when the vent is adjusted in a certain way she is able to speak and is getting quite adept at it. Yesterday with the assistance of the adaptive tech person and voice conrol through her cell phone she was able to text independently. This is also huge. When she does speak it sounds like her voice.
Rebecca just completed her first full work week here at Spaulding. Everyday is busy for her between PT, OT, Speech and Respiratory. Yesterday she got to go outside for a while on a portable vent and that was great. We continue to hear from the friends that we made at Dartmouth Hitchcock and the medical clinic at Stratton who are all so interested in Rebecca and her progress. That is heartwarming to us.
I have come to realize that while this is a story about Rebecca, it is also a story about Audrey and I. After 26 days staying at Marriott Residence Inns both in New Hampshire and Boston we have moved to a nice apartment provided to us by Spaulding across the street from the hospital. While we have nothing against Marriott Residence Inns, we did get tired of eating Cheerios out of a box and powdered eggs for breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing my new points total. I can not count the number of times that I left my key card in the room locking myself out.
The visitor policy at Spaulding is pretty strict due to Covid but we were able to get permission for a dear friend of Becca’s who goes to school in Boston to visit her today. We are grateful for that. This will be wonderful for Rebecca as she misses her friends.
Once again we want to thank everyone for their wonderful support whether it is sending us meals, donating to the fund, sending us messages, keeping in touch or praying for Rebecca, it keeps us going.
Love to all, Audrey, Scott and Erik.
Once again we must thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for all the support and love you have shown us throughout this terrible ordeal. It has lifted our spirits and helped carry us through this journey. It has provided us some degree of solace in these rough days.
Today our Rebecca was cleared and was able to eat solid food for the first time since her accident. This was a big step in the direction of progress. It made us all so happy. Rebecca has been at Spaulding Rehab now for six days. She receives physical and occupational therapy every day. She also works with a speech pathologist and a respiratory therapist daily. So far we are pleased with the professionalism and dedication of all the caregivers at Spaulding.
Please continue your prayers and thoughts for our wonderful Rebecca. Love Audrey, Scott and Erik
Dearest Friends and Family: Earlier today our Rebecca was discharged from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Centre and was transported via ambulance down to the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston. The ride was a little over two hours and went smoothly. Audrey was able to ride in the ambulance along with Rebecca, a Respiratory Therapist and a Critical Care Nurse. Once at Spaulding they began assessing Rebecca. Once they are done with their evaluations they will formulate a plan for her. Rehab for someone like Rebecca is complex and is comprised of many different components and specialties. It can also be long and never ending. We continue to be hopeful and pray for miracles for our dear Rebecca who is doing her best to remain strong. We tell her (and ourselves) to try and take one day at a time with this. When that doesn’t work we say take one hour at a time! We will continue to keep you posted on Rebecca’s progress at rehab.
We want to thank everyone again soooo much for all of the financial and emotional support that you have provided to us. We are overwhelmed with the enormity of what has happened to Rebecca. We are equally overwhelmed with all the support and love that has been expressed for Rebecca Receiving your financial support and reading your comments has meant the absolute world to us. It provides us some degree of relief to know that so many people care so much. It reminds us that there is so much good in people and in the world.
Please continue to keep Rebecca in your prayers and thoughts every day. Love to you all. Scott
Thank you to everyone for all you have done so far for our dear Rebecca! Below is Audrey and my story concerning what happened. Love to you all. Scott
March 13, 2021 was like any other Saturday for me. I knew my two kids were both skiing that day at Stratton Mountain in Vermont. I swam laps that morning and spoke with my wife Audrey about whether she had any preferences for dinner. Audrey had gotten together with a friend to go for a walk and I decided to take a ride down to Jones Beach and walk on the boardwalk. Something I loved to do. It was a beautiful day weather wise. It took me about 20 minutes to drive down to the beach and just as I was parking the car my cellphone rang.
It was a strange number. When I answered the phone it was my son Erik who immediately told me that Rebecca was in an accident and was found unconscious in the woods on the mountain. He told me she was going to be airlifted to Dartmouth Hospital in New Hampshire. He knew no more. I immediately started trying to reach Audrey on her phone and at the same time I began driving home. I reached Audrey when I was just about home and she immediately began walking back to come home so that we could head up to New Hampshire. Shortly after I got home Erik called me again. He was at the medical clinic at Stratton and he put me on the phone with one of the Doctors. I was told the situation was dire; that my dear Rebecca was found without a pulse and that while they had revived her she kept losing it and they had to keep doing CPR to get her back. I was told that she was without oxygen for a period of time and this could result in her being brain damaged or brain dead. It was made clear to me that she may not survive the helicopter ride to Dartmouth and that the team of no less than 20 doctors had done everything they could to save her. I was then told Erik would be brought in to see his sister for what may be the last time.
Over the next three hours we functioned as robots. We packed some clothes and medicine we needed, grabbed some waters and snacks. We dropped off the dog at our dog sitter and began the five hour ride up to New Hampshire. How were able to do this is still a mystery to me. While I am not overly religious I believe G-d carried us and gave us the strength to function in what was the most awful day of our lives. I fully expected to receive a call that she did not make it and that our trip up there would be a short one. How my son Erik functioned and remained calm is a testament to what an amazing young man he is.
About halfway into the ride we called Erik who was in New Hampshire near the hospital. Rebecca was at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Centre which is a Level I trauma center. Having been here now for two weeks I can only call this hospital truly amazing. While it may not be geographically convenient you must trust me that this is the place you would want to go if something was very wrong medically. Erik could not go in because of Covid but was told that Rebecca had arrived critical and was now stable. We then called the ER and spoke with someone who went through a ton of medical jargon and said Rebecca although seriously seriously injured was following basic neurologic commands. We were also told that it appeared Rebecca had sustained some very severe neck fractures very high up on her neck. They were bringing her in for an emergency MRI and would make a determination if emergency surgery was necessary. Later that night we were told emergency surgery (meaning that evening) was not necessary. She would however need surgery over the next 48 hours to stabilize her spine. The doctor also confirmed how severe the fractures were and that she did not have the ability to breathe on her own and that she was on a ventilator.
We were told the next day the Hospital was lifting COVID restrictions and we could come in and visit. We booked our room at a local Marriott Courtyard and spent the night trying to sleep.
Oddly enough I was scheduled to have my second COVID vaccine shot on March 14th the day after Rebecca’s accident. My appointment was at 2:20. So the following morning I drove from New Hampshire back down to NY to get my second COVID shot. After I got my shot I went home spent the night at home and packed up all the things that we had forgotten the day before when we first drove up to New Hampshire
Amongst this terrible day for all of us, there were some little miracles:
1-Stratton just happened to have a team of the best-top notch physicians on staff that day. Some of whom specialize in trauma. These Doctors refused to give up on Rebecca and did whatever it took to save her life doing whatever lifesaving measures are needed to keep her heart beating……. a miracle
2-Rebecca needed to go to a Level 1 Trauma Center. Their first choice of Trauma 1 Medical Centers is Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon New Hampshire, but there needs to be a helicopter available to air lift her there. Their second choice Trauma -1 Medical Center is Albany Medical Center. When Rebecca had her accident a helicopter from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center had just become available and flew right to Stratton to get Rebecca. …a miracle
2-On our way up to New Hampshire, we called the ICU where Rebecca was taken and were told she was “critical but stable.” …”but stable.” …a miracle
3-Despite being without a pulse and needing CPR multiples times, Rebecca’s brain MRI, neurologic exams, and cognition were all normal. …a miracle.
We have now been here for over two weeks. We are trying to get Rebecca medically stable enough where she can be transferred to a Rehab centre in Boston.
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Rebecca, You have such a beautiful smile. I will be thinking of you often and hope the best for your future. Robert
ROBERT SENDLEIN
Rebecca and all the family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Maureen Fradkin
Just read your latest updates. Thank you so much for sharing . We think about you guys all the time. Sending you love and hugs from NJ, cousins Lisa and Jeff
Lisa Klein
Friend of the Scheibel Family. My prayers for Rebecca and family.
Jeanine Levine
On 4/12 Becca’s many friends at BU gathered at Toms and raised over $4000! So much love for Becca, I’m proud to have been a part of it.
Lawrence Shea
Sending love for a full recovery The Gleeson Family
John Gleeson
As a friend of Susan Green and lifelong skier mybheart goes out to you.
Sharyn Taylor
Thinking of you.
Anonymous
I read Becca's tragic story in the newspaper. My thoughts and prayers are with Becca and her family. Keep fighting and continue to be strong Becca!
Patricia and Richard Lazaro
Continued prayers for Rebecca and her family
Suzanne Theocharidis
Sending you light love to your family
Robin Pollak
Be strong and have faith in uncertainty! You are so loved! God will take care of you he has not forgotten about you!
Anonymous
Our positive thoughts are with you.
Salvatore DeSantis
Praying for continued healing and miracles.
Amy McNamara
Friends of the Teich family, we wish Becca well
Sandy Shapin
Following Becca's journey from Melbourne, Australia, through my contacts at HHL, this is a tough time for you all, I have a hashtag that I use #darknessglimmerlight the 3 periods of this injury...I run a support group Warrior Momz on facebook, we are a small but very experienced supportive community - most of us are parents supporting a loved one with the injury or they are injured themselves..My son was injured 21 years ago in a snowboarding accident C5/ T1... SCI is an extremely tough cruel injury but gaining recovery and independence is possible ~ #IMpossible Your advocacy and support for your precious daughter will be crucial for her ongoing recovery! Sadly it's a community no one ever had a goal to join, but you will find amazing support, love, understanding and experience...
Kay Ledson
Sending our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dana & Robert Fink
dana fink
Praying for beautiful Rebecca and her family!
Mariana Rountry
My thoughts, prayers and love to the Kolton and Aleck families
helene korel
Rebecca, you are obviously a wonderful person with a wonderful family. Plainview loves you.
Richard Elgart
get well soon .. so sad to hear this incident. God bless you. wishing u to overcome the difficulties facing right now.jesus bless u tc
dhanoob kunju
Wishing Rebecca, Erik, Audrey, Scott and entire family, prayers, strength, and courage during this difficult period. May the care and love we have for you carry you and speed you.
Richard Stern
From us & my parents. Praying for Rebecca and your entire family.
Tobi & Steven Innerfield
We’re routing for your successful recovery! Sending you strength, support and love. We will keep you in our prayers.
Kristen James
Sending prayers for your healing and recovery.
Anonymous
Dear Rebecca, I learned about you through a friend who skies At Stratton. You are very brave and I am sure all your friends and family are so proud of how you are handling your unfortunate accident. I will prayer for you in addition to helping your fund.
Patty Allen
Best wishes for your recovery, Rebecca
Steven Cyphers
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Dori and Jerry Brenner
Randy and I hope for a miracle for Rebecca.
janet delciello
From Brooke Erkus- A portion of the funds from the the RALLY FOR REBECCA BRACELETS
Lauren Fern
You are all in my thoughts and payers! Stay strong.
Beth Gottlieb
Prayers are with you!
David Roche
I can't imagine how difficult this must be for the entire family. I believe there is a reason and a plan behind your survival. I wish you strength endurance and vision. Your challenges may become your triumph even if that seems impossible now. Though we never met I just wish I could do more. Forever in my thoughts. Shine bright work hard don't lose your light.
Stefanie Kiernan
Maryanne Anderson
Thinking only the best thoughts for Rebecca. Extra hugs to Audrey. Best, Karen Samuels
Karen Samuels
We hope and pray for your recovery
Hana Trubowitz
My prayers are with you Rebecca
Rosanne O'Loughlin
Sending caring thoughts and prayers to all of you every step of the way.
Pamela Anderson
We will say a prayer for your recovery. The Jankowitz Family
Anonymous
Stay Strong Rebecca! We are all pulling for you!
Carol Salony
Hoping medicine , science and technology provide strength and independence for Rebecca Koltun’s future .
Wendy Treidel
Sending you only love and the best wishes <3 we miss you and love you so much Becca
Kayla Lieb
I’m sharing on behalf of Suny Oneonta. I hope this helps,
Grace McCann
Rally for Rebecca Raffle Donation
Jessica Scheibel
Dear Audrey & Scott, I am so so sorry to hear about Rebecca’s accident. I know this has affected all of you greatly. I am thankful that little miracles have happened along the way to keep your Rebecca alive, & I pray that miracles continue to happen for her. So glad to hear she is eating solid food now. Please know your entire family is in my thoughts & prayers. Much love, Wendy Alperin Rubin
Wendy Rubin
Will continue praying for you and your family.
Anonymous
Prayers for Rebecca and family.
Shari Kornberg
My heart goes out to the family sending you prayers.
Anonymous
We will continue to keep Rebecca in our prayers and pray that God will continue to guide her on her road to recovery. - The LaRusso Family
Phyllis LaRusso
Thinking of you, Rebecca, and your family. Continued prayers for your recovery.
Susan Marc
Our heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. God bless you with strength and peace always. ❤️
Janet Wiseltier
Sending all our love, hope, strength and encouraging prayers for Rebecca, Audrey, Scott, and Erik.
Greg, Linda and Rachel Cross
We are all pulling for you Rebecca and are hopeful for a meaningful recovery.
Jeff Herzog
Sending Rebecca—and the entire Koltun family—strength, love and healing wishes. Xoxo, Sheri & Jeremy ArbitalJacoby
Sheri and Jeremy ArbitalJacoby
Stay strong Rebecca!
Jamie Doppelt
Thinking of you Becca <3 You are so strong
Anonymous
Sending much hope and strength for Rebecca.
Jill Wasserman
Healing thoughts!
Amy Trust
I volunteered with Rebecca in Costa Rica in 2019. She is a determined, outgoing, smart, and caring young woman. It amazed me how selfless and motivated she was at such a young age. Truly inspiring. Praying for your healing!
Mandi Diederich
Sending positive vibes and prayers to Rebecca and her family.
Chryso Peter DAngelo
Miracles do happen. Stay focused stay strong!
Elie Ribacoff
Sending my best wishes from LI
Marion Rose
Audrey -- sending you and your family so much love. xox Wendy Siegel
Wendy Siegel
Dear Audrey Scott and Erik Audrey, we met on Becca's and my son John's first day of orientation at BIng. I was so happy John met his first friend in Becca. We want you to know we pray all the time for Becca and pray for her recovery. It sounds like all our prayers are being answered. SO happy to hear Becca is progressing. God bless her and you all during this difficult time. Diane and Mike Cusker
Diane Cusker
Light flourishes in the darkness.
Sam Weber
❤️
Sofia Estevez
Sending you strength and love from one Swiftie to another <3
Avery Weiss
The Garil Family is praying for Rebecca.
Dale Garil
From Brooke Erkus-portion of funds from RALLY FOR REBECCA Bracelets
Lauren Fern
Keep going on your road to recovery.
Jessica Rubin
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Bruwer Family
Lisa Bruwer
Even if you don’t know a person, that should never stop you from giving.
Aaron Banks
You’ll always have my thoughts. You’ll always have my prayers. I know you’ll have everything and everyone you need every step of the way because you would do the same for them. Get well soon Becca❤️
Adam Ungar
I am keeping your beautiful Rebecca in my loving prayers for healing and strength. Love, Ramona V. Machson
Ramona Machson
I do not know Rebecca personally, but I have been thinking of her ever since I first heard of her accident. There are no right words, but as somebody her age, I am extremely inspired by her strength. Seeing pictures of her smiling with visitors shows her immense positivity and determination, two qualities that are such a rarity. Sending lots of good thoughts and well wishes to Rebecca and her family. I will continue to hope for more miracles.
Brianna Prego
Audrey, Scott and Erik, We went to the family bagel fundraiser today. It was so truly inspiring to see the community rally and turn out for your dear Rebecca. Michelle and I think of your dear Rebecca every day. Our hearts go out to you. Love Michelle and David
Michelle and David Shnitkin
Donation made with love and healing energy!
Melissa Mednick
From Brooke Erkus- portion of collected funds from the RALLY FOR REBECCA bracelets.
Lauren Fern
Dear Koltun Family: This is my second post to let you know since the day I heard about Rebeccas accident I have been praying for her day and night. Please know how many people care and cherish your updates on Rebecca. You don’t know me but please find comfort in knowing how many people I continue to share Rebecca’s page with for continued support and forever prayers. I believe in miracles and I have faith in Rebeccas recovery. I will always think and pray for her and all of you. Sending you enormous love and support.
Debbie Conk
With all the love, support and determination, we know you will exceed all expectations Rebecca.Stay strong. Sending much love and prayers to you and your family. From your cousins once { or twice} removed! But still close in heart. Love Judy and Ray Goldman
Ray and Judy Goldman
Keeping Rebecca and the Koltun Family in my thoughts and prayers everyday
Nicole Nasti
We ❤️ U becca
Joanna Savino
Our thoughts are with all of you .
Susan and Ralph Straus
I'm heartbroken about this whole situation. But I know how strong you are and know you will have a positive road toward recovery. My family and I are thinking and praying for you everyday!
Nick Roca
Our almost 8 year old grandson Chase raised this amount by doing a magic show to raise money for his and his sister Jordy’s wonderful babysitter Becca. It is with great pride that we have chosen to match his donation.
Denise and Allen Wolfbiss
Prayers for Rebecca from a Bing Mom.
Dana Sullivan
on behalf of Jess Daniel <3
sara getzoff
Our prayers are continually with Rebecca and her family. Robbie and Albert
Robbie|Albert Selkin
Sending love and prayers to Rebecca, Erik, Audrey and Scott.
Laura Finch
Prayers for Rebecca
Wendy Punzo
My daughter is in her 3rd year at Binghamton University and told us about beautiful Rebecca. Our continued prayers and healing thoughts sent to Rebecca
Denise Algerio
Our prayers and thoughts are with Rebecca and family.
Rinda Toben
Rebecca you are a strong young lady and you can do this. Never give up. God will give you strength
Billie Gordon
Our prayers & thoughts are with you Scott and your family..... Rich & Fran Lewis
Fran Lewis
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Liz Rosenberg
Praying for you and your family
Nicholas Fiumara
Dear Audrey, Scott, Eric and Rebbeca, I am terribilly saddened to learn of the accident that has occurred. I will be praying for you every day and night. I belong to Steven McDonalds prayer group and your will to live reminds me of his huge spirit to spread a message of hope despite many obstacles.
Patrick Rodgers
Praying for you Rebecca!
Dominick Tassone
Prayers for a speedy and full recovery
Constance Bachner
Sending love and support from the Hensley Online Trivia Group (aka friends of Sarah, Andrew, and Wendy Mensch)!
Alyssa Hensley
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Rebecca Aleck Koltun
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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