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On Friday April 5, 2024, I headed to work by bicycle as I usually did in good weather. About two weeks later, I woke up in the ICU at Harborview Hospital and realized I couldn’t breathe on my own, move my limbs, or speak. It was explained that I had suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury due to a crash on my commute that morning. I had been saved by medics who were immediately on the scene, intubated me, and took me directly to the ER. I had been through a 5-hour neck and back surgery to prevent further damage and protect life sustaining respiratory and circulatory functions. I also found out that a few days after the surgery, my heart stopped, a “code blue” was called, and skilled medical staff brought me back with CPR and other interventions. Though I was in much physical and emotional pain, I was grateful for a second chance at life.
After several weeks, with the support of friends and family and the staff at Harborview, my health stabilized, and I was moved to the Trauma Rehabilitation Unit a few days before my 50th birthday. I eventually was able to breathe on my own and started speaking and eating again. I have a C4 incomplete spinal cord injury and am mobile with the use of a power wheelchair that I control with head buttons since I cannot use my hands. I was discharged from Harborview on June 18th, and still need the help of medical professionals and caregivers to continue my rehabilitation and recovery. This requires numerous medical visits and I need reliable transportation. My wife Danielle is renting a wheelchair accessible van for a week to ensure I make it to my upcoming appointments. With your financial support, we hope to purchase a van soon. A used wheelchair van with low miles is $45,000 – $60,000 and the more money we raise, the more reliable and long-lasting the vehicle we purchase will be.
Though I may no longer be able to do some of my former favorite activities, I look forward to doing new things in new ways and have been working hard to recover as much as possible. We are paying out of pocket for the medical supplies and equipment, medicine, caregiving, and adaptive technology that insurance doesn’t cover. These items sustain my health, allow for some independence, and enhance my quality of life. For example, the commode/bath chair that allows “tilt backs” and meets my needs is $5700.
Though uplifted by the love and support from friends and family, due to the serious nature of my injury, Danielle and I have no choice but to ask for financial help through the wider social networks we hope to reach. I dictated this message so that Danielle could post it. Your gift will greatly improve my day-to-day experience and my ability to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Our family and friends are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund in my honor (Reid Mukai) uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
We chose 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. And please share my page on your social media platforms, every donation helps.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
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Sending lots of care and solidarity to you, Reid <3
Janae Choquette
I am so happy you hit the goal. Now, go after that second chance at life. God bless and protect you. Much love and Aloha,
Uncle Dennis and Aunty Pam
Dennis Jinnohara
Jaiya and Justin are rooting for you Reid. Let's get you back out there and enjoying life with that van.
Justin Chin
Thinking of you all and sending positive vibes at this challenging time!
Chris Iberle
God Bless You, Reid!
Sending you some Aloha!
Mike Jocson
Much love and aloha to you folks! Sending our prayers. Aloha nui!
Keola Silva
Na ke Akua e mālama pono iā ʻoe. E hoʻomau! E ola!! Much love to you and your ʻohana.
Valerie Māhealani Chang
Aloha Reid!
We are praying for you that your healing continues.
Rodney and Jas Oda
Jasmine Oda
Your mom's Kamehameha 'ohana is praying for you, Reid! Blessings to you all!
Mara Bacon Chang
We are praying for you and your ‘ohana. God bless you and sending our aloha.
Lynell Bright
Our thoughts and prayers are with you always,
Aloha,
Aea 'Ohana
Tammy Aea
My thoughts and prayers are with you Reid and Danielle.
Timothy Cole
Wishing you all the best, Reid and Danielle!!
The Lewis-Collins family, Miami, FL
Hoping your good days soon out number the bad ones.
Rodney Shimabukuro
Sending healing thoughts and energy to you, Reid and Danielle. Warmly, Rose Quinby
Rose Quinby
Best thoughts to you and yours in your recovery.
Scott Daniels
Thinking of you Danielle and family.
Claire Mathieson
I'm rooting for you!
Susie Gardner
Praying for your miraculous healing.
Andy and Bernice
Wishing you hope and many good days ahead on your healing journey.
Anonymous
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenn and Noreen Tamanaha
Glenn Tamanaha
Sending our thoughts, prayers, and Aloha from Hawaii! We wish you all the best as you continue to heal.
Anonymous
From Steven and Savannah
Steven Apsley
Donations from Homewarming Gathering!
Jake Wasson
I admire your ability to stay positive in the face of adversity. Keep at it. Daryl
Daryl Mukai
We are so supportive of you having a van to drive to ur appointments. We pray for ur recovery and are so inspired by your hard work and grateful for ur family & friends who love u dearly & support you. “because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23. “The Lord is full of compassion and love” James 5:11. God bless you Reid as we continue to pray for you. Aloha Becky & Curt
Rebecca & Curt Kekuna
This is sent with so much love.
Joan Linsenmeier
Sending love and prayers.
From friends of Ann.
Shari & Bob
Shari Sakami
We are with you in your healing journey.
Lloyd Asato
With aloha from Hawaii, Reid.
Sjarif Goldstein
Reid,
I am so happy that you're on the road to recovery!! Take care and please keep us updated!!
Susan
Susan Chan-Nguyen
This is a miraculous story. I am so glad you survived and have a good attitude. You have a long road ahead for recovery. Got for it and grow. Pam and I are praying for you guys. Seems God is not done with you yet!
Blessings,
Uncle Dennis and Aunty Pam
Dennis Jinnohara
With love from friends of Daryl
Carolyn Kaichi
Wishing you well in this part of your journey.
Miwa Tamanaha
Wishing you all the best.
Moana Leong
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts. Sending you all the positive energy
Alicia Azurin
Reid
This is Aunty Dora. I am so sorry about your accident but am glad you survived. Please take good care, recover well, and keep up the good attitude.
Dora Jinnohara
Reid, you have touched many lives with your courage & determination to get better. You inspire us to move forward with gratitude.
Love, Mom, Dad & Daryl
Florence Mukai
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you strength and blessings every day!
Aunty Shigeko, Ann, and Richard
Ann Mumaw
God bless you brother.
Fredy Florian
Dear Ried and Danielle,
My son Jacob and his wife Emily told me of your situation a month ago after they helped with your move to a different apartment. My prayers and support are with you and your situation. I am sending you also some financial support as well. Feel free to contact me if there is anything else I can do for you.
Don E Wasson
Sending LOVE and LIGHT to you and your family Reid!
J P
Sending love to you both! xxoo Missy & Dave
Missy Rohs
Heartfelt thoughts Danielle and Reid for building a new trail forward
Lauren Boyd
Sending love and light to you both!
Lillie Scribner
Sending you support as you navigate this new chapter. Wishing you the best and love your positive energy! Halle from Santa Cruz
Elizabeth Evans
Hang in there Reid and Danielle!
Jason Silverstein
What a journey you have been on! I wish you continued strength, courage, and support as you navigate this next chapter.
Heidi Kistler
We arr all here for you, Danielle and Reid!
Rachel and Jon Turow
We are with you Reid and Danielle every step of the way!!!
Nathan Alidina
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Reid Mukai
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Donor preference is important to us. Please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.
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