Jonathan Really Needs Your Help
We are writing with heavy hearts but also with great hope, to share the story of someone very special—Jonathan Liang, an extraordinary 18-year-old from Summit. Jonathan is a recent National Merit Scholar graduate of Summit High School, a talented athlete, and a soon-to-be freshman at Lehigh University. He has always been full of promise, kindness, and determination.
This summer, while surfing, Jonathan suffered a sudden and rare spinal cord injury called surfer’s myelopathy. In an instant, his life was forever changed—he is now paraplegic and unable to move from the waist down. Through it all, Jonathan’s courage and positive spirit have amazed everyone who knows him.
Right now, the Liang family needs the love and support of our community. Insurance does not cover many of the urgent expenses they face, including:
– Home modifications – upwards of $150,000
– A wheelchair ramp – $5,000
– A power-assisted wheelchair – $15,000
– A paved runway for home access – $25,000
– A stair glide – $3,000
– Outpatient therapies – $20,000
– Wheelchair accessible vehicle – $100,000
In addition, the family is in dire need of pro bono or reduced-cost assistance with construction, medical-legal services, and medical accounting.
We invite you to stand with Jonathan by making a tax-deductible donation through Help Hope Live. Every gift—no matter the size—will go directly toward helping Jonathan regain independence and move forward with dignity and strength.
Jonathan’s road ahead will not be easy, but he is surrounded by love—and with your generosity, he will also be surrounded by hope. Please join us in lifting Jonathan and his family during this difficult time.
With heartfelt thanks,
Phil Vehap and Karen Wauters
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Guestbook
October 14, 2025
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Jonathan, and your family!
Martha Kardashinetz
October 14, 2025
Hope you and the family are feeling better.
Xi Wang
October 9, 2025
Hello, I have surfers myelopathy as well and would love to share some resources and information with Jonathan and his family if that is possible, message me on Instagram @cassieeckroth or Facebook Cassie Eckroth to get in touch. Thank you
Cassie
October 6, 2025
This donation was inspired by Doug St Amant. We went to his bands performance at Bar Bacoa.
Ron Redmerski
October 5, 2025
This donation is from the Play it for Pacchia paddle tennis tournament and the Pacchia family
Steve Suter
October 5, 2025
Was at the event at Bar Bacoa where Doug’s band played the Lovely Lafs… so great of them to organize the event!
Anonymous
September 30, 2025
Praying for your full recovery.
Anonymous
September 30, 2025
Sending positive thoughts!
Jennifer Lowe
September 30, 2025
Keep hope alive...
Gloria Ron-Fornes
September 30, 2025
Praying for a speedy recovery!!
Anonymous
September 30, 2025
God bless you and your family. Praying for your continued courage and strength during your healing process. You will walk again! God bless you!
Christine Escribano
September 29, 2025
Sending love & prayers for your continued recovery Jonathan. Stay Summit strong!
Anonymous
September 29, 2025
Rooting for you, Jonathan!
Yuanxiu Lyu
September 29, 2025
Our thoughts are with you and we believe in you!
Anonymous
September 26, 2025
Sending much love and support, Jonathan. You’re not alone!
Maximilien Fournier
September 26, 2025
Sending positive healing thoughts and prayers!
Sue Roberts
September 25, 2025
Rooting for you, Jonathan!
Annmarie Perry
September 25, 2025
From one Surfer's Myelopathy "survivor" to another, YOU GOT THIS BROTHER!!! Si se puede
Joe Guintu
September 25, 2025
Jonathan,
Wishing you strength and perseverance.
The Muzyka Family
Aneta Muzyka
September 24, 2025
Summit is rooting for you, Jonathan!
Anonymous
September 24, 2025
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
James Hannigan
September 24, 2025
We're all rooting for you, Jonathan!
Anonymous
September 24, 2025
Sending hugs and prayers of hope and healing to Jonathan and his family.
Lori Ingerman
September 24, 2025
Sending you support and strength and wishing you a strong recovery and rehabilitation.
Sarah Edgar
September 24, 2025
Jonathan, sending you strength, hope, and hugs. Love, Mts.B
Kathy Branchflower
September 24, 2025
Stay strong, we are all here to support you. You have a bright future ahead, keep on fighting!
Zander Oldendorp
September 24, 2025
❤️❤️❤️
Anonymous
September 24, 2025
Stay strong. And never give up hope.
Cynthia Manalo
September 23, 2025
I'm so sorry to hear of Jonathan's injury and wishing you all the best as you move forward. I'm here if you need anything.
Caroline Jacobson
September 23, 2025
May you find strength and courage each day!
Kristin Ju
September 21, 2025
Wishing you strength, perserverance, and faith.
Anonymous
September 21, 2025
Stay strong, enjoy college, and have a speedy recovery!
Jenny Xun
September 20, 2025
加油！-- Zhang Dan
DAN ZHANG
September 19, 2025
Stay strong, Johnathan!
Zhengrong Lu
September 19, 2025
Jonathan: Stay strong!
The Horsewood family
Phillip Horsewood
September 18, 2025
Dear Jenny and family I'm sending all my wishes that you will get all the help you need and that your son will make a recovery or be able to live comfortably for a long time to come. I wish him success at college and I send my heartfelt thoughts to you and everyone in your family especially to your son who has so much more of life to enjoy! With love and hope, naomi shapiro
Naomi Shapiro
September 18, 2025
Wishing you strength and healing.
The Osorio-Orgeira family
Maria Orgeira
September 17, 2025
Praying for you!
Joseph Porcelli
September 17, 2025
Thinking of you, Jonathan. All of your SHS debate friends and I are behind you 100%!
Melanie Cohn
September 17, 2025
Thinking of you, Jonathan.
Melanie Cohn
September 17, 2025
Jonathan
We are wishing you and your family healing.
The Moore Family
Thea Moore
September 17, 2025
Never forget how wildly capable you are.
Anonymous
September 17, 2025
Wishing you the best on your recovery.
Matthew McCormack
September 17, 2025
Sending you our best wishes for a full recovery! -- The Keegan family
Tracy Keegan
September 17, 2025
The entire Summit community is rooting for you. Focus on what is in front of you.
Anonymous
September 17, 2025
Blessings on your recovery!
Hannah Gallagher-Luca
September 17, 2025
Hi Jonathan,
Be strong and we are here for you and your family!
Cindy Chen and family
Cindy Chen
September 17, 2025
Wishing you total healing.
The Mongiello Family
Barbara Mongiello
September 16, 2025
Keep the Faith! We are all cheering for you!
Pat Daquila
September 16, 2025
Hope you recover better than expected.
Anonymous
September 16, 2025
You have so many people cheering you on! Wishing you and your family strength during your recovery.
-Amy Sweeney (Miss Wyso)
Amy Sweeney
September 16, 2025
So sorry for what happened to you.
Sending good vibes for a fast recovery.
Erica Wu
September 15, 2025
Hope you have a smooth and speedy recovery. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Yue He
September 15, 2025
Wishing you continued strength!
Burke Family Burke
September 15, 2025
Stay strong and have faith. Slow and steady wins the race!
Marc Dietrich
September 15, 2025
Go Jonathan! Stay positive and stay strong! Get better soon!
Anonymous
September 15, 2025
With love
Tianhua Han
September 15, 2025
Stay positive and keep improving!
We are cheering for you!
The Linds
Natalie Lind
September 15, 2025
Hi Jonathan,
We are all rooting for you!!
Cheers,
QY
Qing Yan
September 14, 2025
May the healing thoughts of strength and love from your community carry through this difficult time.
- The Aimette family of Knob Hill Drive
JESSICA ONEILL
September 14, 2025
God bless you Jonathan and praying for your speedy recovery!
Anshul Sharma
September 14, 2025
Warm wishes from Livingston.
Annie Wang
September 14, 2025
We don’t know each other but Jesus loves you and makes us to show his love and care. Hope you don’t feel helpless and lonely and you will know Him.
Anonymous
September 14, 2025
Our family is thinking of you and praying for continued strength and courage throughout your recovery journey.
Susan and John Campbell
September 14, 2025
孙阿姨给你加油！
JIE SUN
September 14, 2025
祝你早日康复 ！
XUE TAO XU
September 14, 2025
加油！- 沈大成
LIUJIANG LI
September 14, 2025
Stay Strong!
Chunyan Li
September 14, 2025
Get recovered soon! Jonathan
Bi Feng Liu
September 14, 2025
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jonathan. We believe in you!
The Betz Family
Lisa W. Betz
September 14, 2025
Be strong! Hope Jonathan have a speedy recovery.
Baohui Wang
September 14, 2025
Don’t give up!
Fang Gong
September 14, 2025
God will you and the family!
Jing Du
September 13, 2025
Dear Jonathan, we are thinking of you as you begin this new chapter. Your strength is inspiring and we are wishing you all the best in college and beyond.
Alev, Ege Kaya
September 13, 2025
May God bless your recovery
Anonymous
September 13, 2025
Sending you strength and many healing thoughts on your road to recovery, Jonathan!
Chelsea Barreto
September 13, 2025
Wish you a great recovery and will walk again soon one day. 加油！
Kong Family
September 13, 2025
Get well soon Jonathan !!!
Gerard Costello
September 13, 2025
Our prayers are with your family
Jing Liu
September 13, 2025
Jonathan we hold you in our prayers. Stay patient and remain strong! We fully believe you got this!
The Faruku Family
September 13, 2025
加油！
Anonymous
September 13, 2025
Blessings to Jonathan, his family and friends. Praying for you all.
Anonymous
September 13, 2025
Hi Jonathan,
I know you will stand up. Have faith, keep working and never give up!
Li Zhao
September 13, 2025
We have you in our thoughts and pray for your full recovery. We admire your strength and believe in you!
The Ripsam-Walsh Family
September 13, 2025
Wishing the best for you and your family. Stay strong!
Jadhav Family
Chetan Jadhav
September 13, 2025
Jonathan - Sending you strength, swift progress in healing, and continued fierce determination.
Hopefully you'll be at Lehigh with Tristan soon.
The Guenthers
Monica Richter
September 13, 2025
Jonathan,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong!
Best, The Allen's
The Allen's
September 13, 2025
Stay strong! You are in our thoughts.
Jeff Lee
September 12, 2025
Wishing Jonathan and family the best for the future!
Jim Gamgort
September 12, 2025
Best wishes you recover soon
Lucy Yang
September 12, 2025
Keeping Jonathan and the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Nicole Bonanno
September 12, 2025
We are thinking of you and praying for a fast recovery
Summit High School Sailing Team
Kerry Penque
September 12, 2025
Jonathan, be strong and recover soon!
Lingtao yu
September 12, 2025
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Get better every day and know that we all support you.
Coach Kostibos
September 12, 2025
Jonathan,
Sending you strength and healing. You’ve got this!
Eylon Hotam
September 12, 2025
Lock in
Yuming Yang
September 12, 2025
Sending love and prayers Jonathan. May you conquer and recover soon.
Anonymous
September 12, 2025
Sending our prayers to you and your family. May you recover soon.
Anonymous
September 12, 2025
You are cared about Jonathon!
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Sorry to hear about your injury. Wishing you and your family can find strength and comfort as you get through this challenging time!
Ying Zhang
September 11, 2025
Jonathan- my best to you and your family.
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Praying for you and your family…for the strength, courage and love you need. Have hope! Push forward! You can do it!
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Hi Jonathan,
Just a note of encouragement and hope for your road to recovery. Ms. Reinholt
Christine Reinholt
September 11, 2025
Stay Strong Jonathan. We are thinking of you.
Alison and Ryan Wauters
SHS Volleyball- Class of 2023 and 2021
john wauters
September 11, 2025
For Jonathan Liang
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Stay Strong!
Roz Moskovitz
September 11, 2025
My heart goes out to you Jonathan during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my prayers, and I ask God to bring you healing, strength, and comfort. May God’s grace surround you and bring you peace.
Eric Raio
September 11, 2025
Wishing you the best
Nate Arlein
September 11, 2025
Best wishes to you!
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Sending strength and prayers for recovery. Thinking of you and family.
- Sam & all The Coopers
Samantha Cooper
September 11, 2025
Feel better soon, man!
Lifeng Y
September 11, 2025
My daughter is a junior at Lehigh, hope you will join the university in the near future. Stay strong!
Ying An
September 11, 2025
Thinking of you Jonathan, Jennie and family.
Laura Wolfe
September 11, 2025
祝早日康复
Neo Huang
September 11, 2025
Thinking of you and praying for a fast recovery Jonathan
Ellie Curragh
September 11, 2025
Stay strong and get better soon.
Lynn Li
September 11, 2025
I am grandmother of Jason Schwartz. I am sure you, Jonathan, will be successful, strong, healthy and happy young man! Good luck!
Zoya Vostroknutova
September 11, 2025
Our prayers are with Jonathan and his family.
Scott Manahan
September 11, 2025
All the best to Jonathan’s recovery!
Ash Prithipaul
September 11, 2025
We wish Jonathan all the best in his recovery. Big hug to his family.
Nevena Bojovic
September 11, 2025
All the best !
Li Tao
September 11, 2025
best of luck to Jonathan and these campaign
Paul Yarden
September 11, 2025
The Gallaway Family sends our best wishes to Jonathan and his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Katherine Gallaway
September 11, 2025
Thinking of you and hoping for a quick and complete recovery.
Frank Baragona
September 11, 2025
Thinking of the Liang family at this time. Jonathan, keep the faith and don’t give up.
The Vela Family
Edward Vela
September 11, 2025
Thinking of you and your family. Sending you strength and prayers as you travel this new road.
Elke Luftig
September 11, 2025
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
Beth Thomas
September 11, 2025
Wishing Jonathon and the family all the strength and resilience.
Saumya Mishra
September 11, 2025
Johnathan, please know that many that love and support you are rooting for your quick and full recovery. Be strong! We’re sending you prayers of hope and healing.
Betty Lo
September 11, 2025
Getting better soon Johnathan! Be strong !
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Sending prayers and strength to Jonathan.
The Kifnidis Family
The Kifnidis Family
September 11, 2025
Be strong!
Jimin Liu
September 11, 2025
This won’t be easy but you will make it through stronger and tougher. Be well soon!
Gaby and Mimi Chay
September 11, 2025
Wish you all the best!
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Wishing you all the best in your recovery
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Best wishes to you. Hope you can have a speedy recovery. Joy
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Feel better soon.
Riya Joglekar
September 11, 2025
Wishing you much strength and success in your continuing recovery.
Pam Fishman
September 11, 2025
Good luck and wishing you speedy recovery! God bless you.
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Johnathan, wishing you a full and speedy recovery!
Xueying and Guangli
Xueying Ji
September 11, 2025
Stand up soon, best wishes for your recovery.
Mindy Mo
September 11, 2025
We are praying for you!
Carly Herman
September 11, 2025
Praying for your full recovery!
Sharon Linstein
September 11, 2025
Wishing you strength and healing, Jonathan. May each day bring you closer to recovery, and may you feel surrounded by support, hope, and love
Yi Yao
September 11, 2025
Sending “Good. Vibes”
Kohaut Family
September 11, 2025
Be strong and you are not alone, you have all of us by your side who believe in you and who will help you through!
Yan Lin
September 11, 2025
Stay strong, Jonathan!
Yan Kong
September 11, 2025
Stay strong Jonathan ! Hope you have a speedy recovery ! Our thoughts are with you and your family. Just remember we are always here for you !
Maddie, Leo and Jiaying
Jiaying Zhang
September 11, 2025
Stay strong
G uang Yang
September 11, 2025
Wish god bless your recovery! We love you!
Shuangze and Calvin
shuangze xie
September 11, 2025
Hope you getting better soon!
Yin Chen
September 11, 2025
Thinking of you! KG
Helen Griffith
September 11, 2025
I pray for Janathan and your family. Stay strong.
Jing Feng
September 11, 2025
Stay strong Jonathan- we are praying for your recovery!
The Flaim Family
September 11, 2025
Sending prayers
Sarah Flaim
September 11, 2025
May Lord bless you with your recovery.
Anonymous
September 11, 2025
Stay strong! We are thinking of you and your family. We are here for support in anything we can do.
Liv, Joy and Steve
Joy Qiao
September 11, 2025
Pray for your recovery!
Yanju Zhu
September 11, 2025
Hope you have a smooth recovery.
Huijuan Wu
September 11, 2025
The road to recovery isn't easy, but we believe in your courage and resilience. Wish you strength and brighter days ahead!
Yan Tian
September 11, 2025
Stay strong! Our thoughts are with you!
Muqin Zhang
September 11, 2025
Hoping for a smooth recovery. I still remember those days playing spikeball at VBI.
Ryder Tang
September 11, 2025
Hope for a full and quick recovery!!!
Sherry, Maggie, Lily and Jeff Liu
September 11, 2025
Wish you recover soon!
Anonymous
September 10, 2025
Jed and his family are pulling for Jonathan and praying for a full recovery.
Ellen, Darren and Jed Lehrich
September 10, 2025
To Jonathan and your family, we are sending lots of prayers for your strength in recovery. You're a joy, keep spreading it. Be strong. With love, The Morgans
Mary Morgan
September 10, 2025
Thinking about you and wishing you much strength Jonathan.
Sending love, the St.Amant family
Donna and Doug St Amant
September 10, 2025
Sending love from your Summit community.
Tyler and Sara Reeder
September 10, 2025
Thinking about you man, stay strong. We're here for you.
Luke St Amant
September 10, 2025
Jonathan, remember that what is in front of us is much more important than what is behind us. The future will be challenging but you have never backed down from a challenge. You have an entire community behind you, and we will always be here for you.
Coach Ross
September 10, 2025
Praying for you Jonathan
Neel Ahuja
September 10, 2025
Stay strong Jonathan! You’re not alone - we’re always here to support you and your family!
Ni Liu
September 10, 2025
You got this, Jonathan!!
- SHS 2008
Pradeep Ravindra
September 10, 2025
Jonathan - Keep up the fight. Thinking of you.
John Humphreys
September 10, 2025
Praying for Jonathan.
Larrrie Graham
September 10, 2025
Dear Jonathan,
We are thinking of you and your family. We are here for support in anything we can do.
Max, Joe and Alejandra Eng
Alejandra Gurevich
September 10, 2025
Cheering you on, as always, Jonathan. Here to support you in any way we can.
Sheila, Brian and all the Cheneys
September 10, 2025
Thoughts and prayers to the stat class buddy
Jed Lehrich
September 10, 2025
Wishing you strength and love my brother. If anyone can get through this, it’s you. You will always have my support and prayers.
Noah Daluz
September 10, 2025
Wishing you a fast recovery.
Alex Fournier
September 10, 2025
Dear Jonathan, we are here for you. You’ve got this. Love, The Schwartz Family
Anna Schwartz
September 10, 2025
For Jon, my good friend at both school and the gym.
Anonymous
September 10, 2025
We support you Jonathan!
Ethan Levine
September 10, 2025
May you feel surrounded by care, strength, love and hope.
Ella Pardo
September 9, 2025
We are praying for your full recovery. Please know that you are in our thoughts and we are happy to help in any way that we can.
Jill Joseph
September 9, 2025
Speedy recovery Johnathan!!
Estella chen
September 9, 2025
Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Lisbeth Hadingham
September 9, 2025
Stay strong. We are here to support you.
Meredith Herman
September 9, 2025
We believe in you Jonathan.
On behalf of Gary & Phil at Think BrandsNYC
Ilirjan Vehap
September 9, 2025
We support the Liang Family. Don't give up the fight, and we will always be by your side.
Sarah Vehap
