Support Seth Kurpiel’s Spinal Cord Injury Recovery - Fundraising for the medical expenses insurance does not cover -

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.