May 8, 2026
After a dreadfully long winter, it’s finally spring (well, in NY, it almost feels like spring). And with spring comes the feeling of possibility and renewal, which is what we have been hoping for during the past 13 months in terms of Seth’s progress. Passing the one year mark back in April brought mixed emotions; we are so thankful for the incredible progress that Seth has made, but also feel some trepidation in terms of what progress is left. With an incomplete spinal cord injury, most questions have to be left unanswered when the words “outcome” and “long-term” are put out there. So the truth is, we don’t know how much more progress Seth will make, but, knowing Seth, he has miles to go before any stagnation is felt. More and more, Seth can consistently raise his arms to his face. He can put on and take off his glasses most of the time and has an easier time raising food to his mouth. Although many activities of daily living are a bit out of reach, others are starting to show progress, such as taking shoes and socks off and opening the top of a milk carton. One step at a time.Last night, Northwell held its annual Trauma awards dinner. During the course of the evening, three adult and one pediatric trauma patients were recognized along with the entire care team who took care of them. Under one roof, EMTs, surgeons, nurses and other medical caregivers were able to see the incredible progress of those they took care of, and those patients were able to thank these amazing individuals who intervened with precise knowledge and skill to help save their lives. Seth gave his neurosurgeon a big hug and his former ICU nurses a group high-five. We are forever grateful for their care and we hope to keep in touch with these remarkable individuals. As Seth’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Lo, said in his presentation of Seth’s case last night, someone with his type of severe spinal cord injury would be expected to have a chance of walking in the single digits; we are thrilled that Seth has perhaps moved that statistic up a notch, and we know he will continue to inspire and influence the recovery of others.Whatever struggle you are facing: never give up. Let’s all be statistic movers.
March 3, 2026
One of the things we have been most thankful for over the past several months are the health professionals who have cared for Seth since his injury. And while the neurosurgery team, doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists and aides have all played a tremendous role in helping Seth physically recover and stay mentally motivated, we don’t forget the team of EMTs who were first to arrive on the scene and safely and swiftly get Seth to the hospital so that he could have emergency surgery. A few weeks ago, we got to meet the amazing men and women from the Vigilant Fire Department who were called to the scene and remained calm and professional during those first horrific moments when he was paralyzed.The Vigilant Fire Department votes each year for what they refer to as the “Call of the Year;” this is historically a case that sticks with them for one reason or another- be it the kind of call, the way in which they help, or the impact it had on them. This year, Seth was that call. We were so honored and moved to shake the hands (and hug!) the team that was so vital in getting to Seth when Benson made the call. Not only did they make every moment count in getting Seth to the hospital, but they also stayed calm when talking to Benson when they arrived on the scene. We are forever grateful to these professionals who go out into the world each day not knowing what kind of situations they will encounter, and for being there when we needed them the most. Their actions undoubtedly affected Seth’s initial recovery.Last month was also exceptional for a second reason because we celebrated Benson’s Bar Mitzvah. When Seth was in the hospital after his injury, he said one of his goals was to be able to walk onto the dance floor, and walk he did. We even got him- safely- up in the chair during the traditional Hora dance! It was wonderful to celebrate such a momentous occasion all together and to reflect on how thankful we were to be able to do so as a family. As Seth continues to make small steps in his progress, we look forward to celebrating more good times. We hope all of you celebrate happy occasions this year, too. And let’s remember to thank the men and women who volunteer each and every day and enable us to reach these moments.
December 24, 2025
It’s been about two months since the last update- a bit more time than I would have liked, but our house has been a flurry of activity; amidst Seth’s continued recovery, we are planning (Gd willing) for our younger son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah next month. We have also begun construction on our home- with thanks to your generosity- to build a new full bathroom off of our kitchen, which will be fully equipped for Seth’s needs. Needless to say, it’s been quite busy! Seth continues PT and OT 3 times per week. His legs are growing quite strong and he has been doing leg presses and walking on the treadmill slowly both forwards and backwards while in a harness. Although his arms are still the slowest to respond to therapy, we have seen progress in his ability to lift them incrementally. He can open the refrigerator and turn off some of the light switches in the house. Most activities of daily living still require some assistance, but we knew that progress would not always be linear in nature. We just concluded Chanukah- a time of miracles from days of old. We pray for miracles for Seth’s continued recovery, as well as for anyone in need of healing and hope. As we approach the New Year, many people have commented that we must be excited and relieved to turn the page into a new year; that is partly true, but I think that we need to take some of 2025 with us into 2026; the ways we managed to laugh during our darkest days (some moments, when I look back, still make me laugh- like when we created a Passover Seder in the ICU and got matzah crumbs all over the floor and the look of horror on Seth’s nurse’s face). 2025 was also a time when we rose to what seemed like an insurmountable challenge, when friends and family came flocking to our side and showed unwavering compassion. They still show it to this day- all of you do. So while yes, we are somewhat relieved to have this year in our rear view mirrors, we also take its memories and its lessons into 2026. And in this next year, please feel free to drop us a line, come for a visit, share a story or smile. We have one to give right back to you. Happiest of holidays to you all and best wishes for a truly wonderful new year.
October 20, 2025
On this road to recovery, it’s fair to say we’ve had a wide spectrum of both good and bad days. While the bad days can get us down, we have always had faith that a good day was possible just around the corner, and today was one of those great ones. Seth met with a cardiologist who will be following him every few months since Seth is on several blood pressure medications. We hope to slowly wean off some of these meds as Seth’s body continues to recover. The cardiologist seems like he will be a great additional team member in the cohort of medical staff overseeing Seth’s progress outpatient, and we feel very fortunate for that.After our visit, we decided to stop by the neuro ICU where Seth spent almost 3 weeks right after his injury. Seth always said he wanted to walk back in those doors and visit everyone, and today, he was able to do just that. It certainly felt like we had come full circle as we hugged the nurses, PT and other staff who were there. It felt overwhelming in a good way to know that Seth’s hard work has brought him so far, and that he was able to show this to the staff; to peer into his old room where he barely got out of bed and where the future was so uncertain and to be looking in from the outside instead of from the inside out. To walk the grounds outside the window where he looked out so many times wondering if he would ever be able to take a step again. It really does show that with dedication and perseverance, extremely hard things are attainable. The staff remarked that they often do not see patients after they leave the ICU, and therefore, they don’t ever see progress that’s made. It was wonderful to reinforce to the staff visually that they provide such important first steps in the lives of so many who are facing a steep climb ahead. Seth has started patient PT and OT at a facility he likes and is working very hard. One of the pictures shared with this update shows his now easily recognizable “face of determination” while he is hard at work.Let’s keep on climbing.
August 29, 2025
Yesterday we reached a milestone on our journey: it had been 144 days since Seth’s injury; 19 days spent in the neuro ICU followed by 125 days (a record!) in acute rehab at Mount Sinai. 144 days of Seth pushing himself to his absolute limit in order to regain strength and functionality. 144 days away from family and friends and out of any kind of “normal” routine that he had previously known. Last night, Seth was discharged home. Although it was difficult to leave the safety and security of the medical and PT/OT team that had been giving him amazing care, it did feel like the time was right to take that next step. It’s frightening to jump into the unknown of what life will be like at home. Even more frightening than being a new parent taking a newborn baby home for the first time. The last time a transition this big was made was when we left the ICU in the back of an ambulance heading for rehab and had no idea what to expect. It turned out to be the best place for Seth to be at the time. We take that memory and know that together, we can handle an enormous amount of uncertainty. It’s difficult not to make comparisons about what life was like before compared with what life is like now. Our home has had some modifications done to make life easier and there will be more to come. But Seth’s goal was to walk out of the hospital, and walk out he did. We are now settling into new routines and working the kinks out of how best to get tasks done. Seth slept in his own bed for the first time in 144 nights and went for a walk outside today - even going up a hill and over some grass. Seth’s journey is far from over. 144 days seems like such a long time, but it’s really very short when dealing with an injury of this nature. The blink of an eye really. One of the things Seth’s PT said to him on the day of discharge was that, above all else- more than level of injury or type of surgery- the best predictor of recovery after spinal cord injury is the amount of family and friend support. In that case, we are shooting for nothing less than the stars.
August 15, 2025
It’s been 112 days since Seth has been in acute rehab at Mount Sinai. To those of you who have been following his story, you know of the incredible progress he has made. Looking back on videos from May and June when he was only able to move slightly and required maximum assistance with every activity of the day, it really is unbelievable to witness the results that his dedication has brought. Seth is the longest patient to ever be on this unit by over one month, and that is because of the continuous progress he has made from one week to the next. Seth’s physical and occupational therapists have been giving him more challenges, such as one that can be seen in the video link posted with this update: instead of sittting in a wheelchair, Seth can be seeing pushing this extremely heavy piece of machinery around the unit with a patient care assistant going for a ride! This would likely be difficult for just about anyone to do. You can once again clearly see Seth’s resolve to succeed at this rigorous challenge. We are now seeing home on the horizon. Seth will likely be discharged home from acute rehab before the month comes to a close, and so too will this chapter of healing come to a close along with it. The thought of going home brings with it a mixed bag of emotions: excitement, fear, uncertainty, gratitude; although Seth has made tremendous progress, there is still a lot of work to be done. It will be difficult to leave the safety of acute rehab, where the staff now feel like family. It will take many more months of rehabilitation and therapy to continue to build strength. One thing we know for certain is that nothing will get in Seth’s way, and that we are fortunate to have family and friends and a community who will support him. Thank you all for being included in that journey.
July 18, 2025
As many of you may know, Seth has always been in amazing shape; in the past, he has competed in several half-marathons, the NYC marathon and a Long Island mini-triathlon. He does not shy away from hard physical tasks, such as when he spent much of one summer swimming laps at our local pool to train for the swim portion of the mini triathlon . Seth has shown the same mentality towards his rehabilitation. The video posted shows Seth in Central Park, taking part in the annual “Fun Run” that is put on by the Mount Sinai Rehab team. Although most of the participants do this in their wheelchairs, some, like Seth, were able to walk a bit. Seth finished the last 200 feet of this race walking. You can clearly hear hospital staff and some of the other patients cheering for him, as they have all gotten to know and love him over the past several weeks, and have also learned to deeply respect the tremendous effort he puts forth day in and day out. Seth’s PT has also begun to give him sessions on the treadmill where he walks, albeit at a slow pace, but with 4lb. weights strapped to each ankle. The PT will then toss bean bags on the treadmill for him to step over to give him an additional challenge. And he is always up for it.Seth’s arms are still a bit slow to respond, but we are all still very hopeful that in time, he will regain more strength. He has been able to use his left hand for some tasks, and can now tap on his phone and control an electric wheelchair without any help.On July 5th, Seth and 25 others went to the Mets vs Yankees game at CitiField- something we had tickets for since February. It was an amazing afternoon, filled with love and of course, Seth was thrilled at the great game and the fact that the Mets won and even scored 2 home runs. Seth will keep scoring his own home runs and continues to be the absolute best “player” to root for. Thank you all for continuing to do so!Pictures are posted on the website, so feel free to log in to see them!
June 27, 2025
This past week, the PTs and OTs really challenged Seth and he was up for the task; 3 lb. weights were wrapped around each of Seth's ankles and he walked on the treadmill while one of the physical therapists dropped small sandbags in his path that he practiced stepping over. They also made an "obstacle course" for him in the gym by placing several canes on the floor for him to step over. I especially love the symbolism of him stepping over the canes instead of using them, as if to say he is determined to get past this and get back to his original self. Seth also stood in the gym while in a harness for protection against falling, and the PT tried to test his balance by gently pushing him from side to side. Not every time is successful, but every day in it's own was is a success. As one of the PT's, Darla, always says, "if you're not tired after one of my work-outs then it wasn't really a work-out." In a break from walking inside the hospital, the PT took him outside to practice walking with a walker on the streets of NYC - not an easy task on the often uneven pavement!Seth and I also got the chance to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary by going out to dinner in the city for a much-needed break from hospital food! Thank you for continuing to send messages to support him, and thank you to all of you who have donated since I last posted an update!
June 9, 2025
I like to call this week's update "grit." Although words like "determination" and "mental toughness" have been used commonly to reflect Seth's mindset towards his recovery, after watching several of his PT and OT sessions, the word grit also seems fitting. Grit means keeping the mindset of determination and perseverance over a long period of time despite challenges and set-backs. It's easy to be determined in ideal circumstances, but it takes grit to keep that determination along with tenacity and resilience when situations are less than ideal. Seth continues to get intermittent spasms in his extremities when he is using his strength to change position or move, yet he waits for them to pass, and then presses on with his activity. This past week, he was able to walk halfway around the rehab unit with a PT at each elbow, as seen in the picture from this week's update. His primary PT said that she does not want him using a walker to practice walking, since doing so may foster bad habits like poor posture, but even more so because she can see Seth being able to walk without one. She can see the actualization of his long-term goals and knows that they are achievable. His OT commented this past week that he has not worked with such a hard-working patient in the past several years. So let's continue to cheer Seth on with his continued hard work. And the next time you are faced with a difficult life obstacle, take a lesson from Seth and use a little grit.-Morgan
June 1, 2025
I just want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart who have made a donation to help with Seth's road to recovery. I may not be able to thank each of you individually for a long time, but please know that your donation means so much to our family, as do your emails, text messages, visits and words of support. We truly could not have gotten through the past several weeks without all of you. I am so grateful that you are keeping Seth in your good thoughts and prayers, and that you are cheering him on from zip codes near and far. Thank you for being part of our village of help and hope. With love, Morgan, Seth, Riley and Benson
May 28, 2025
Seth has made major strides, he now has voluntary movement in all 4 limbs. He can intentionally extend and flex his left leg. His physical therapy team is now hopeful Seth will be able control a left-handed joystick controlled power wheelchair as his left hand has regained enough dexterity; however, he still needs assistance to lift his wrist to reach the joystick.The physical therapy team is now using a ceiling track hoist to promote balance, strength and mobility. Seth’s ongoing grit and determination is evident in this update’s video.All of the visits and videos from friends and family has been extremely impactful to Seth’s recovery, too. We thank everyone for their time, love and contributions.There is still a long road ahead but we are feeling very optimistic that as Seth continues to work hard there will be additional recovery in the future.
May 2, 2025
Yesterday Seth’s physical therapist helped him take the head controlled power wheelchair outside for the first time. It was a beautiful sunny day and Seth enjoyed the fresh air as you can see from his new picture.We’re overjoyed to share that Seth woke up this morning able to move BOTH legs with meaningful hip movement. This is the first time he’s been able to move any part of his right leg. Seth’s determination and positive attitude continues to inspire everyone around him.
April 29, 2025
Seth was transferred to an inpatient spinal rehabilitation center on 4/24/2025. We are thrilled to report that Seth has regained some movement of his left fingers and will continue to work daily to recover more neurological functions. He began learning to use technology that will help him adapt to his new life.Thank you for following his story and continuing to cheer Seth on.
April 22, 2025
It's been 2 weeks since Seth's injury, and his positive attitude is still filled with determination. He has regained partial sensation in his arms, legs and trunk. On multiple occasions, he’s said, “I am the luckiest guy in the world," referring to the support from his community, friends, family and medical team. He has made strides in the Neuro ICU but is hopeful for a change of scenery to inpatient rehab soon.
Thank you for your continued support and cheering Seth on through his spinal injury recovery marathon.
Love, Scott and Robyn
Seth’s younger brother and sister-in-law
April 18, 2025
Seth continues to improve in the ICU and is no longer requiring any supplemental oxygen. We’re hopeful to transition to inpatient rehab soon where Seth can focus his energy on spinal recovery.
