On July 24, 2011, near Hilo, Hawaii, our son Brad was severely injured in a head-on collision caused by a negligent driver crossing the median. Brad sustained multiple injuries, including C4-C6 vertebrae fractures, resulting in quadriplegia. He has no movement in his hands or legs, and no sensation below mid-chest. His mobility is limited to a motorized wheelchair.

Beyond the personal physical activity limitations, Brad is not able to come and go as he pleases. He can not leave the house without a handicap van. He can’t go to a concert, a movie or even a ride in the park. His social life is thus limited to visitors. Even going to the doctor is a time-consuming and difficult process.

Brad’s emerging career as a composer and performer has been delayed by his injuries. He has re-learned how to make music using the capabilities he has and has been on stage twice in the last six months. He is ready and anxious to resume performing live, but adequate transportation is a huge hurdle to this plan.

Raising funds for a handicap van is our next priority for Brad. A fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Mid-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only.

Thank you for your love and support.

Tom & Sharon MacCabe