Help Hope Live for Patrick Hoey
On July 29, 2023, 20-year old Patrick Hoey was enjoying Keuka Lake in upstate New York when his life was changed forever. Patrick fractured his C5 vertebrae after diving into the lake. He’s been left with severe damage to his spinal cord.
Sinking face first in the water, paralyzed, the actions of his friends saved his life. Patrick was immediately transported to Strong Memorial in Rochester, NY for immediate and intensive emergency surgery. His long-term prognosis is still unclear at this time. A week later he was transferred to Magee Rehabilitation in Philadelphia. Uncertain about Patrick’s long-term prognosis, the family remains hopeful he will regain feeling and movement in his upper and lower body, but he has a very long road ahead of him.
If you know Patrick, you know his smile, his generous nature, his compassion, and his warm heart. He’s been put to the test before. Patrick has already survived a rare neuroendocrine tumor having undergone surgery in Summer, 2022, so he’s already proven his level of determination and resiliency. Nobody doubts that Patrick will battle back from this accident and lead a healthy, productive life, but the costs to get him there will put an enormous strain on the Hoey Family, even with insurance. From rehabilitation, transportation (they will need a wheelchair accessible vehicle) and home modifications, in addition to work leave, at home care and travel expenses. Any support you can provide is extremely helpful and gratefully appreciated. Your support means the world to them and especially Patrick.
Patrick is a loving son of Ed & Diane, an incredible brother to his 3 younger sisters (Rennie, Ashley & Lindsey) and a happy, active, rising junior at Penn State University (currently put on hold) majoring in Enterprise Risk Management. He is also a proud graduate of Devon Elementary, T/E Middle School and Conestoga High School. He and his family are faithful, active members of Saint Matthew’s United Methodist Church. As his friends and sister Rennie plan their return to Penn State for classes, football games, THON and parties, this Nittany Lion will be tested by working relentlessly all day every day to regain his function and mobility.
Family and friends of Patrick Hoey are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
Patrick and the Hoey Family 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 kindness, compassion and support.
Updates (12)
August 25, 2025
A Note of Gratitude and Good NewsWe are very happy to share the wonderful news that Patrick has made his return to Penn State to finish his senior year at the Smeal College of Business! He will be joining his sisters Rennie and Ashley who will also be at PSU for their junior and freshman year (respectively) and Diane for her second tour on campus, so the Hoey’s will definitely have a presence (WE are!). Diane and Patrick have secured an accessible apartment and are working through the copious logistics required.Patrick’s recovery has been a journey marked by patience, strength, and the constant encouragement we have received from our circle of friends, family, therapists and caregivers. We have been deeply touched by the many ways you reached out—with kind words, thoughtful gestures, and unwavering support. Your encouragement has truly meant the world to our family and has helped us all to stay positive and focused on healing and helping Patrick achieve this remarkable milestone - just one year later than originally planned! Your generosity through donations to his HHL campaign have enabled us as a family to afford all the costly necessities to accomplish this goal.As he sets off to continue his studies, we carry with us immense gratitude for your friendship as the community that have surrounded and sustained us. We couldn’t have come this far without you.With heartfelt appreciation,The Hoeys
January 12, 2025
Dear Hope4Hoey faithful,The past few months have been very busy for us! In June, Patrick was able to receive a nerve transfer surgery which has started showing exciting results already. His hands can open on command and his triceps are firing. We are still some time away from realizing these gains but the current results prove promising. Patrick is continuing his hard work in therapy using the Locomat assisted walking training and working out in Magee’s wellness gym. He has now started working on free standing - another goal to achieve in 2025. These therapies are not covered by insurance so we use your donations to continue on his path to recovery. We are incredibly grateful for all the continued kindness and generosity from everyone.In October, we hosted our annual cornhole event and had a huge turnout. Thanks to everyone involved in organizing and supporting this event. Shoutout to the Machita family for providing the raffle prizes! Patrick was loving the competition and felt so empowered by everyone involved.Patrick is also continuing school online as we work on getting back to campus. He greatly appreciates his friends for sticking by him and keeping his spirits high. This journey is long but with your support we know we aren’t alone.All our love and gratitude,The Hoeys
July 12, 2024
Dear Friends,
Its time again to share some highlights of what has been happening in our world and to recognize what our wonderful community of friends have been doing for us. Many were able to attend the Comedy night event which was a huge success. The comedians Bob, Norm and Chris were hilarious, as those who were there can attest. Joe Conklin was an excellent emcee and added to the laughs. Truly laughter is the best medicine. The venue was great, food, bar, lights/sound, and raffle all went flawlessly despite having to pack it all inside due to rain. We can’t thank the organizers enough who did all aspects of running the show. Our sincere thanks to Ed, Kathy and Steve, Greg, Dan, Jimmy Z, our teen server and clean-up crew and our Host and barn venue sponsor Dave.
We also have to thank the newlyweds John and Lynn Mullen who celebrated their nuptials on June 15 in Avalon NJ. They graciously offered Patrick’s HHL campaign as a donation option for their wedding guests in lieu of gifts for them. This was such a wonderful gesture and we are grateful to them and the guests who have made donation in Patrick’s honor.
The comedy night and the generous gifts from the Mullen wedding have significantly raised Patrick’s HLL fund to hit the $160K mark, a remarkable amount which provides such security for medical needs ongoing and future.
Patrick continues to focus on recovery. He recently underwent a nerve transfer surgery to both arms and wrists. A very progressive approach to restoring nerve function and muscle activation to the triceps and hands. The surgery went well and Patrick is starting to resume his therapy and workouts. It will be a number of months to determine the success of the procedure as the new nerve connections grow very slowly. We are ever “hopeful” as his campaign motto states. His awesome friends, the Phillies, a summer class and the gym at Magee Riverfront where he uses the stim bike, lokomat and engages in his therapy groups all keep his week jam packed.
We continue to be focused on the future and feel so blessed to have you all in our lives and we are so very grateful for your ongoing kindness and generosity (in so many ways).
April 17, 2024
Dear Friends and H4H supporters,
We wanted to share a little about what Patrick has been up to these past few weeks. Patrick continues with therapy at Magee Riverfront and is focused on Occupational goals to continue to push and make the most of his abilities. He also spends considerable time in the Magee wellness gym where he uses the various adapted gym equipment to work on strength and conditioning. Their “standing frame” allows him to stand fully supported giving his body the much needed opportunity to weight bear and stretch. He also uses their “stim bike” which provides electrical stimulation to his legs while engaged in pedaling keeping his muscles activated. He uses both of these pieces of equipment at the gym but having this equipment at the house would allow for easy access and more frequent use; so we are actively researching options for obtaining this equipment for Patrick’s daily use at home. Unfortunately we are learning that insurance coverage of such valuable (and expensive) equipment is unlikely. Patrick’s absolute favorite piece of equipment is the “Lokomat”- a robotic walking system that allows Patrick to walk on a treadmill with about 50 percent weight bearing. He started to use the lokomat weekly since mid-January and it’s amazing to watch him in it. This machine is a “pay per use” piece of equipment , so we are grateful for the generous support of our community each time he walks on this!
He continues to enjoy furthering his art and music expression which began to blossom while at Magee Hospital. He finds this expression to be therapeutic and a good diversion; so much so that he is taking a college course on art therapy! His final exam is painting a ceiling tile to be placed in the ceiling at Magee. This art course is one of 2 courses he is currently taking through Penn State world campus and he’s enrolled in more courses for this summer and this fall.
He also loves staying connected with his friends using his adaptive PlayStation system. This system offers a modified controller that he is able to use with his limited hand /arm function and it gives him the ability to play soccer and baseball with all his friends! The purchasing of this system was made possible through the generosity of our community.
Patrick bravely pushes onward,continuing to learn how to adapt, overcome and become as independent at possible. This weekend we celebrated how hard he has worked with a weekend trip to Happy Valley visiting his friends and seeing his campus again. We used every bit of knowledge and strength we have gained these past 8 months to make this weekend trip happen. And the reward was lots of laughs and lots of love filled the days!! We remain grateful for each day and for all our incredible friends.
With our love and thanks,
The Hoeys
February 9, 2024
Dearest Friends and H4H supporters,
We apologize for going so long since our last update, but that is because there has been so much going on to keep us moving forward - we haven’t had much chance to slow down (nor do I think we will) or share. I will begin this update as I do most, and pretty much the same way I greet folks asking how Patrick is doing, simply put, he is doing everything he can. He continues to work hard in the gym on PT, OT, the wellness center and Art program at Magee Riverfront making the most of what he can do, always with such a positive attitude. A recent big development was to start using a device called a locomat, which is essentially a harness and electronic frame system that produces a walking motion on a treadmill. There are several key benefits to this and we hope this helps stimulate his recovery. Patrick continues to emerge as an ambassador for those with SCI and was invited to speak at a Magee fundraising event and on behalf of the Adam Taliaferro Foundation (a former PSU football player with a SCI). I have attached a video link where Patrick thanks the foundation for their support of him and you can see him on the locomat. https://m.facebook.com/AdamTaliaferroFoundation/videos/meet-patrick-hoey-a-patient-at-magee-rehabilitation-jefferson-health-by-supporti/1585179055631153/
He continues to engage with more activities including: meals out, movies with friends, and family activities, Christmas with his cousins, hitting “Yuletide” at Devon on New Years eve among other things. Patrick turned 21 on Jan 18th and we were so glad to celebrate his “first beer” with a great group of friends and family. He has also started using an adaptive Playstation (paid for by HHL giving) which has allowed greater connectivity to his college friends who are away at school. Lastly, but certainly not least he has started taking courses on-line at Penn State World campus as he begins to navigate a path forward to continuing his education.
The HHL events have been a fantastic opportunity to see and thank his wonderful supporters in person. In particular the Turkey Trot and Top Golf events were hugely successful (a record for the trot), so much fun and gave us a chance to see and thank all of the wonderful people that have been supporting us on this journey, such generosity in so many ways. We just can’t thank everyone enough. We are grateful to all of the H4H supporters and particularly the amazing organizing committee of friends who dedicate so much energy into helping support Patrick’s needs enabling a future of healing and health.
The outpouring of support continues to amaze us and we are so grateful!
With our love and thanks.
The Hoeys
November 10, 2023
Dearest Friends,
What a wonderful whirlwind of a month it has been! On October 5th, we happily welcomed Patrick home from Magee hospital! He was able come home in our van, use the new ramps to enter our home, use his newly remodeled space and wheelchair accessible bathroom and enjoy eating meals together (the meals that many of you have provided for the past 3 months). We wanted to post a note to recognize how you all helped to make this possible and to thank you for all the wonderful things you have been doing for Patrick. The football game, cornhole tournament (a fantastic “welcome home”) and Handle’s Ice Cream event were all a huge success! Thank you to all of the selfless organizers and enthusiastic participants. We are continually amazed by the generous gifts to the Help Hope Live Mid-Atlantic Catastrophic injury fund-specifically for Patrick’s benefit. Because of your generosity we were recently able to purchase our wheelchair converted van from Mobility Works. This van has been modified to accommodate the needs of power wheelchair users like Patrick and includes changing the frame/body, adding a power ramp and interior modifications to make it safe to travel. Upon coming home, Patrick began his therapy at the Magee Riverfront day-rehab program. This amazing program is daily from 10-3:30, which means daily round trips in our van to south Philly. With Diane taking a leave from her job at Beaumont Elementary, she is able to drive him and stay with him each day to learn everything she can from his therapists. At Magee Riverfront he continues to make progress on strengthening his upper body and learning how to adapt and gain independence. He uses an electric stimulation bike (and other stimulation equipment) to send signals through his spinal cord to hopefully improve the connection past his injury. He continues to be optimistic; because, he knows like Winston Churchill said “attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference”. His determination hasn’t wavered and we are so proud of his daily efforts. We have also been able to use the van to get out and about, including MD appointments, visits to Valley Forge Park and even a dinner out at Nifty Fifties in Newtown Square. Having reliable, wheelchair safe transportation is such a blessing and we are so grateful that you all have made it happen for us!
We feel so loved and supported by our wonderful community, you have all been so kind and very generous to us. It is honestly overwhelming and we cannot begin to truly express our appreciation, but please know how deeply in our hearts we feel it.
Sorry for the delay in this update but as you can tell Patrick is working very hard and keeping very busy and we are right there with him!
With our love and gratitude,
The Hoeys
September 25, 2023
Dear Friends,
It has been a while since we had a chance to update you on Patrick’s progress and we are glad to share some recent good news. He continues his intensive rehab (PT, OT, Art, Recreational) therapy program at Magee trying to maximize his time there. In addition to therapy, has been attending a number of educational sessions to learn more about spinal cord injury and how to manage. As you can imagine, he is pretty exhausted by the time the evening rolls around. Now that he has been at Magee for a while he has gotten to know most of the staff and some of the patients and is very socially engaged. We have been able to get there every day and are learning as much as we can about his needs and care so we are prepared when he comes home.
A couple of big events happened over the past week that we wanted to share. Firstly, Patrick was able to permanently take off his hard plastic cervical collar, which he has had to wear continuously since his injury about 8 weeks ago. This has been a tremendous relief of his neck itching (scratchy beard), improved his quality of sleep and overall comfort, not to mention the fact he can actually look around the room better. Over the past couple weeks he has become adept at operating his power wheelchair, so much in fact that he was able to go on his “road trip” to Reading terminal market with his Occupational Therapist, Rex therapist and Diane. This is a very important milestone as patients prepare to engage with the world outside of Magee with their new means of mobility. In classic fashion, Patrick sought out 2 dozen amazing donuts which he shared with the staff allowing them to choose a favorite.
Possibly the most amazing accomplishment was Patrick’s getting into an upright position today at the gym using electrical stimulation of his muscles and the support of the therapy team! He was even able to give Diane a hug while he was up. This is so remarkable because Patrick does not yet have any movement/muscle control below his chest. This offers hope he may regain enough function to stand in the future with support, and the important goal of being vertical for a number of physiologic reasons.
As some of you may know, spinal cord injuries (and recovery) are unpredictable and it will be a long time before we know what his ultimate level of recovery will be. One thing we are certain of is Patrick’s steadfast determination, his contagious optimism and hope for the future. He is so appreciative of the of the love and kindness he has been shown through cards, texts, calls and visits (including good food and treats) and he wants us to share how grateful he is (as are we as a family).
It has been wonderful to see some of you at the recent Hope4Hoey events.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for all the love and support we feel.
Patrick and the Hoeys.
September 11, 2023
Dear Friends,
Today Patrick starts his 5th week at Magee. We are so inspired by his determination in the face of his challenges. At home, we are undergoing construction to modify our first floor to accommodate an ADA bathroom and living space for Patrick when he returns home in a couple weeks. He will to continue to reach for his goals through intensive PT and OT at the Magee day rehab program once he is discharged from the hospital. For now, due to his quadriplegia, he will continue to use a power wheelchair. Having reliable wheelchair appropriate transportation to drive him to his therapy will be vital. An accessible van is a very costly proposition and a major gap for us and we are exploring what options we may have including support through Hope Help Live.
We are continually blessed by the love and support we feel from you all. Thank you!
The Hoey Family
#HOPE4HOEY
September 7, 2023
September 6, 2023
It’s GAME Day in Happy Valley! Thanks for the words of encouragement Coach! And thank you to the Penn State community for your continued prayers and support! Please See updated link in bio! Let’s GO PSU!!!
August 29, 2023
August 28, 2023:
Dear Friends,
It is hard to describe how profound an impact Patrick’s injury has had on him and our family. He has shown remarkable determination and continues to work very hard at Magee to regain what function he can. We are taking it one day at a time and focused on the positives. He is hopeful, as are we.
We want to thank you all for your kind words, well wishes, prayers and generous support of his go fund me campaign. The love, support and kindness we have received from our friend community has been amazing and we are so very grateful!
We will be continuing to plan for Patrick’s long term care needs by working with Help Hope Live a non-profit organization that helps spinal cord injury patients with medical needs.
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
Sincerely and gratefully,
The Hoey family
#Hope4Hoey
August 21, 2023
August 16, 2023
Straight From the Hoeys;
Dear Friends, Patrick has now been at Magee for over a week and he is working super hard to achieve his rehab goals. In addition to his daily PT and OT sessions he also participated in introductory music and motion therapy. We are so grateful for the prayers, well wishes and generous support we have received as a family. As Diane says “it is the wind beneath our wings”. Hope4Hoey
August 11, 2023
Patrick is four days in at Magee and we are so thankful to have him close to home. The team has been outstanding as they have immediately started on his aggressive road to recovery. Despite the circumstances, Patrick is strong willed and determined. He is up for the challenge. He finds great solace knowing people pray for him and have him in their thoughts. And it is always refreshing to see friends and family! Thank you so much for the support, we need it right now. God bless you for the generous donations and the words of support, they go a long way. Hope4Hoey.
August 9, 2023
Always a great day when you can see some friends! Jonah Abramson, Drew Lamonica, Andrew Mason, Shane Mahoney and their boy Patrick Hoey! From the Hoey Family - thank you, thank you for the prayers, the kind words and your generous donations.
August 7, 2023
A great day today as Patrick safely arrived at Magee Rehabilitation Hospital via ambulance transport. And of course you know it, Diane was with him the whole time. God Bless you Patrick and the Hoey Family! Hope4Hoey
Photo Galleries (7)
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Guestbook
March 28, 2025
Thanks to all who came and generously contributed to the Comedy night event! Such a wonderful time with an amazing support team!!
Edward Hoey
March 24, 2025
You got this, Patrick!
Tina Rose
March 3, 2025
Lots of love & prayers !!!
Anonymous
December 21, 2024
m
Mary Garrett Itin
October 13, 2024
sorry not to make it to Corn Hole today! Love to all
Karen
Karen Roy
October 13, 2024
Patrick, You are so inspiring! I love to hear about your progress, hobbies and interests. So glad you could visit PSU this fall. All the best at the cornhole tournament, Jennifer Donahue
Jennifer Donahue
October 12, 2024
Continual prayers for Patrick and Hoey family.
Jeanne and Ron Repage
October 8, 2024
Best wishes for a great corn hole tournament fundraising event! Sorry to miss it.
Love and prayers for the Hoeys!
Lynn bertram
October 7, 2024
Sorry we can’t make it to the tournament!!
All the best to your family
The Hymels
Laura Hymel
August 17, 2024
Prayers for Patrick and his amazing family.
Mara Define
July 12, 2024
Our family was recently made aware of your story Patrick. Remembering your lovely family from many sweet days at BPALL and summers with St. Matthew's VBS, we know your kind heart and generous spirit are a true reflection of those who love you most. Happily, we see you are surrounded by wonderful people who bring you great joy!
Many prayers-Doug, Christine, Max, Cole, Lily, and Sophie Tyrell
Tyrell Family
July 5, 2024
Donation on behalf of John and Lynn Mullen
Erin and Brad Brentin
June 25, 2024
John and Lynn Mullen Wedding
Alfred Fantuzzi
June 17, 2024
In honor of John Mullen and Lynn Montgomery as they extend their love and friendship to Patrick and his family. When the time is right please check out the Fighting Back Scholarship Program in Malvern. They're a wonderful organization providing support for this who have been effected by life changing neurological injuries and illnesses.
Mark Mintzer
June 14, 2024
Donation made in honor of the Mullen/Montgomery wedding.
Larry and Lynne Lombardo
June 12, 2024
Patrick stay brave, continue to work hard, and never lose hope.
from a Lynn and John Mullen wedding guest
Anonymous
May 20, 2024
Stay strong Patrick, you were inspiring as a diver for Conestoga, and you continue to be an inspiration now! Take care, The Duda Family
John Duda
May 5, 2024
Wishing Patrick the best recovery as he works to gain as much mobility and strength back! If he ever wants to talk to my son Blake who experienced a similar injury, let us know through your Mom’s friend, Marie. God bless you Patrick!!
Leigh Emerson
April 30, 2024
We are not able to make it to the comedy night (which sounds awesome!!) but wanted to continue to show support. You’re inspirational Patrick!
Tara Zlotkin
April 23, 2024
May God continue to bless the Hoey family.
Michael OConnor
April 19, 2024
Sending our love and good wishes as we also celebrate the Mullen wedding
Timothy Marlin
April 18, 2024
Keep up the good fight, Patrick!
Richard Parker
January 24, 2024
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Warmly, Mrs. Porter
Leslie Porter
January 11, 2024
I was made aware of this campaign due to a Facebook birthday post from Sandy Lee. Good luck to Patrick and the entire Hoey family.
Keith Mekenney
January 2, 2024
You are in my prayers Patrick. God bless.
Anonymous
January 1, 2024
Keep the faith Patrick
Michele Ippoliti
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas!! Love - ML Willcox
ML Willcox
December 23, 2023
#Hope4Hoey! Faith, hope and love from the Terifay family to the Hoey family. Stay strong. Hoey strong!
Terrence Terifay
November 28, 2023
Thank you to our Amazing Community for continuing to rally and show support for the Hoey Family!
Kathleen Meaney
November 28, 2023
Wishing Patrick and the whole Holy family all the best!
Marie Pierre Crowe
November 27, 2023
Stay strong! From the Alpha Phis of the Greater Philadelphia Alumni Group
Peggy Pastva
November 26, 2023
Thank you to all those who supported the Handles ice Cream event. What an fantastic night with so many wonderful friends.
Edward Hoey
November 17, 2023
Keep up the hard work Patrick. We are cheering you on and praying for you.
Susan Kingsbury
November 17, 2023
I was honored to share Patrick’s inspirational story and highlight the many guardian angels who’ve sustained him and his family. Thank you. You are all in my prayers and thoughts…
Caroline O’Halloran
November 17, 2023
Prayers for continued healing❤️
Michele Gallagher
November 16, 2023
Keep on keeping on Patrick!!
Love, Alicia Mays
Alicia Mays
November 16, 2023
Dear Hoey family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura and Mike Ennis
Laura Ennis
November 16, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Stay strong!
Jeanne Andronowitz
November 16, 2023
Keep it going!
Michael Richardson
October 24, 2023
My love and prayers are with Patrick and his family. May God continue his healing and the family feel His grace and peace.
Anonymous
October 20, 2023
Praying for your Mind Soul and Body healing Patrick and God's strength for your family. Your smile says everything. May always keep that fabulous smile knowing that you are encouraging thousands as we watch your amazing journey to wholeness. You got this!
Your prayer partner from a distance-
Anonymous
October 14, 2023
Praying for Patrick’s full recovery!
Jeanne Braun
October 12, 2023
corn hole donations
stephen meaney
October 8, 2023
Patrick,
Praying for you and your family. Hope you see continued progress at Magee. Keep up the good work you are doing there.
Ray Gutowski
October 7, 2023
Don’t stop believing Patrick! You are amazing, and I know you will continue to be. All of the best to you!
Catherine Wood
September 28, 2023
My family and I wish Patrick a successful recovery.
Amelie
Amelie Vassos
September 18, 2023
T/E Middle School staff is thinking of you.
Betsy Toscano On behalf of T/E Middle School Staff
September 16, 2023
We’re thinking of all of you.❤️Your BES Family
Kathleen Plunkett
September 15, 2023
We are praying for you all. Patrick keep up the good work. We think of & pray for you all every day. We know God is with you & will help you all, especially you Patrick.
Lin & James Dallas
September 12, 2023
Sending prayers!
Deborah Frutos
September 8, 2023
You’re attitude is inspirational! Go Be Great!!!
Christa Krasniewicz
September 7, 2023
One day at a time you will get there!!
Lisa Morales
September 6, 2023
Praying for Patrick and the entire Hoey Family.
Mimi Snyder
September 4, 2023
Sending our love, thoughts and prayers ! Whatever we can do, let us know!
Love, The Bragins
Melanie Bragin
September 1, 2023
From a fellow DES/CHS/Martins Dam family
C Hagerman
August 31, 2023
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine Sturgis
August 30, 2023
We Are!!!!!!
Heather Firth
