Family and friends of Tricia Downing are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

August 13, 2021

August 6, 2021

Hi all! Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page. Since I sustained a spinal cord injury 22 years ago, I have had hundreds of people willing to support me in everything from athletics, to starting a non-profit to becoming an author. I could not be more lucky and wouldn't trade YOU, my support crew for anything. I am blessed.

Unfortunately, a spinal cord injury affects so much more than one's ability to walk. It changes the things you do and how you do them. It's also extremely costly. Did you know the total average yearly expenses of living with paraplegia are $518,904 in the first year and $68,739 for every subsequent year? Those numbers may seem surprising and you might think, "well it's probably all covered by insurance," but unfortunately, much of that is out of pocket. And when I see those numbers they bring up a combination of sadness, anger and yet pride. Pride that somehow I have been able to take care of myself and have the help of others too. But the journey isn't easy. And I am one of the fortunate ones who have been able to stay afloat.

But the journey continues and I am afraid so do the challenges. As I am into my 50's now, there are going to be new challenges to cross; from mobility to home logistics and layout to medical expenses. I am fighting every step of the way and am ready for the battle, but I could use your help.

I want to stay active. I want to be able to do things I haven't done for twenty-two years and I want to enjoy this time of my life...and I have found a power wheelchair that can help me do this. It's called an Omeo and is not only a functional chair, but it allows the user to do recreational activities that one cannot do in a traditional chair—from hiking to pushing on the sand at the beach. I have had the opportunity to try this chair and it is amazing! A game-changer, I believe. Not only is it fun to cruise around in, but it will help me preserve my body as I continue to keep moving forward.

The chair costs $26,000, and though I am prepared to invest a chunk, it is as expensive as a car!

So, I am turning to Help Hope Live to assist me in reaching out and finding a way to finance this life changing piece of equipment, to enjoy into my 50's and beyond.

Thank you for visiting my page and thank you in advance for your generosity.