MobilityWorks
Accessibility for all: Helping people connect with who and what matters most
Searching...
No results found. Please try modifying your search.
On Sunday, February 8, our lives changed in an instant.
David experienced a traumatic and catastrophic accident that fractured his cervical spine at the C6/C7 junction. In a moment, he lost the use of his legs and began the fight of his life. He is now learning what it means to live with a severe spinal cord injury — something no family is ever truly prepared for.
But David is so much more than this injury.
He is a devoted husband and dad, the steady presence in our family, the one who shows up early and stays late. He’s the problem-solver, the encourager, the one who makes people feel safe. He loves time with his kids, tackling projects, and being the person others can rely on. His strength, humor, and determination are still very much intact — even as everything around him has changed.
Right now, David is working tirelessly starting to heal and getting launched into rehabilitation, adjusting to life with paralysis. Everyday activities that most of us never think about — getting out of bed, showering, entering and exiting a home — now require equipment, planning, and assistance. Our current home, like most homes, simply was not built for a wheelchair.
We are facing enormous changes as we prepare to welcome David home safely.
To make that possible, we must transform our house into an accessible space. This includes:
A wheelchair-accessible entrance
Widened doorways and hallways
A fully accessible bathroom with roll-in shower
Modifications to the kitchen and living spaces
Specialized medical and mobility equipment
Ongoing rehabilitation and long-term care needs
The financial impact of a spinal cord injury is staggering. According to national data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, the lifetime costs associated with a high cervical spinal cord injury can reach into the millions of dollars, depending on the level of injury and age at the time of injury. Even the first year alone often brings overwhelming medical and equipment expenses.
Insurance covers some things — but not everything. Home renovations, adaptive vehicles, specialized equipment upgrades, and many long-term needs will require significant out-of-pocket funding. The total cost of making our home accessible and preparing for David’s long-term care could approach or exceed $1 million.
Our goal is simple: bring David home to a space where he can live safely, regain independence, and remain at the center of our family life. David has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.
This fundraising effort will allow us to:
Create a safe and accessible home environment
Purchase necessary mobility and medical equipment
Support continued rehabilitation and therapy
Preserve stability for our children during this transition
David is still David — strong, determined, and deeply committed to his family. With the right support and environment, he can continue to be present for milestones, school events, ordinary dinners, and all the moments that matter most.
If you feel moved to help, please consider donating and sharing this campaign. Every contribution — no matter the size — helps us take one step closer to bringing David home safely and building a new version of normal for our family.
Thank you for standing with us during this life-changing season. Your support, prayers, and generosity mean more than we can put into words.
Loading Images
Rooting for David and all of you!
Janet Vincent
Erika, I am thinking of you constantly! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help on the work side of life. (Our fly-in is over now!) Thanks for sharing these updates on all things Team Sward!
Steffany Stern
Think of you all. Sending so much love and strength your way. - Andrew Scott
Andrew Scott
Speedy Recovery!
Larry Edelman
Thank you for the updates on David and the Family Sward. Wishing you continued strength, resilience, community, and humor through the recovery journey and beyond.
Krista Nickerson
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Wishing you strength and healing in the months ahead. From, Global Strategy Group.
Global Strategy Group
I am Mel and Ellie's friend, here in Coralville. Lovely people. I am following the blog. JM
Judy Mully
Best wishes in your recovery ! Dr. Lisa Thomas ( Upper Chesapeake ED)
Lisa Thomas
Dear David and Erika, Matt and Colin,
You are in our hearts. Please know our family is thinking of you and wishing you strength and healing each day. Nico, Paula, Eloise and Gabi
Nico Douillet
Sending good thoughts and prayers, from friends of Legendary Fitness
Joan Lynch
Erika and family,
Your friends and former colleagues from Tobacco-Free Kids are thinking of you during this challenging time. We are cheering David on from afar - wishing him continued improvement and healing.
Positive vibes and healing thoughts headed your way!
Much love,
your friends from Tobacco-Free Kids
Meg Riordan
We wish you the best possible outcome. We’re praying for you and hope to see you next year cheering on the BCC baseball team..
Zach Cantor
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers ! Hugs
Michele Tyson
The D"Bring it ON"Sward never let any work-related curveballs faze him.
Keep on truckin' with the same addiTood, @DSward! -- @BBalakri
Bhaskaran Balakrishnan
Never give up!
Anonymous
Sending you mountains of strength and love from Colorado, Sward Family.
Jodi Radke
Stay strong, David!
Payam Meyer
Thinking of you all!
Laurie Mignone
The Glass family is sending all the love and light to you, David, and family.
Glass Family
Dear David: You've got this! Just as you have met every other challenge in life. Take it a day at a time, one foot--literally, we hope, and figuratively--after the other.
Sending much love and warm thoughts.
Linda Rosen
Linda Rosen
Thinking of you all the time! We're ready to welcome you home after all the good, hard work in Atlanta! - Sharon and Adam
Sharon Momenian-Schneider
I climb with David and his climbing group on occasion and can only remember him ever being kind and generous. Sending as much stoke and psych as I can to support him in his journey forward. Good luck David and know there are many in the climbing community thinking of you and your family.
Joel Greenbaum
My wife Kristen and I are Kensington neighbors who may have only met David when he responded to a 911 call. We've been through some traumatic times and know that recovery involves gazillions of actions from people who may be total strangers. Hope our modest give keeps the momentum up for the adaptations needed. Jackie
Jackie DeCarlo
Hoping each day brings you and your family greater strength and comfort. Thinking of you - stay strong!
Brandy Ach
Sending love and hugs
Ellen Halsband
Dear David and family,
Our thoughts are with you.
Sincerely, The Wilks/Edelson Family (a BCC family)
Rebecca Edelson
Thoughts and prayers, stay strong my friend! DC
David Cohen
Wishing you and your family all the best in your recovery. We certainly miss you around the office! You have very large shoes to fill and the team is all coming together to keep the boat floating in your absence.
Randy Belt
Sending good vibes and a little money, hoping to help you along the road to come.
Cynthia Hernandez
Sending you & your family love David
Wishing you all the best during your recovery
With Warmth,
Cyrus
Cyrus Hojaji
David and Erika, You and your family are in my thoughts. Gregg
Gregg Haifley
Hi David, so sorry to hear about your devastating accident. Just wanted to let you know we're thinking of you over here in Cambridge. It's a long road ahead but I know you can push through it.
Scott McCarthy
We are praying for you all!
Lori Erickson
Happy to be part of the wonderful community supporting you all.
Jennifer Hoque
Sending you all our love and support.
Carolyn Mullen and family
Carolyn Mullen
Wishing you all the best and knowing that you will figure it out.
Georgina Dodge
I am so sorry this happened, David. Seeing the incredible community that's rallied around you and your family has been both moving and inspiring - Team Sward is truly something special.
You're in my thoughts often. Sending you all my wishes for healing, progress in rehab, and getting back home. The news about feeling your toe is genuinely amazing and encouraging!
Wishing you, Erika, Colin, and Matthew (and those pets!) many moments of love, laughter, and joy to help you through. And fingers crossed for that Atlanta transfer happening soon - rooting for you on all fronts!
Jessica Lehr
Sending good wishes to David and Team Sward. Hoping he's able to come home soon.
Reyna and Jared Farber (from Movement)
Jared Farber
Sending healing prayers for David and the whole family. -- the Browning/Bartolucci Family
Dawn Browning
Sending positive energy to all the Swards from the Birneys
Alice Birney
We are pulling for you David and praying for you and know you are going to get to where you want to be. You are super strong. Hang in, the Duffys
Charles Duffy
David,
Hoping for a full recovery for you.
Aunt Judy
Judith Peterson
Dear David, Erika, Matthew, and Colin -- we love you, we're in awe of your strength and resilience, and we're with you.
Love,
Uncle Jake, Aunt Laura, Hartley, and Rowan
Jake Schlachter
I am so sorry to hear of this and wishing the best for you and your family!
- Erin Cooke (grand-student/friend of Elaine Carmann)
Erin Cooke
Team Sward! We are all behind you!
Lisa DuBois
Holding you all in my heart.
Alison Pearce
Team Becker is rooting on Team Sward!
Mila Becker
Erika, thinking of you and your family.
Angela
Angela Sharpe
Sending good wishes to you, Sward family. May the love and support surrounding you buoy your spirits.
Amy Shope Manzi
Thinking of you and your family. - Leslie
Leslie Brady
Erika, I'm thinking of you, David, and family - cheering for the positive developments you've posted, and hoping for much additional good news to come. Sending healing wishes your way.
Miriam Goldstein
David--my love and prayers are with you during this extensive rehabilitation. You've got all of us cheering for you. Erika, Matthew and Colin--whatever you need of me, I'm here.
Love you all- A. Elaine
Elaine Carmann
We are here for you all!
James Baumberger
You all are very much in our thoughts and wishes for successful transition.
Peter Kyriacopoulos
David- Our family is rooting for you and sending you wishes for strength and healing. We’re here for you, Erika, and the boys, no matter the ask!
Michael Strollo
Sending support your way.
Amanda Edmonds
Stay strong.
Sending warm regards and best wishes.
Deborah Warden
Erika, I am keeping you, David and the boys in my prayers.
Stacey
Stacey Younger Gagosian
Hope is the anchor of the soul
Anonymous
You’ve got this! Get well soon, Jill and Ken Kams
Jill Kams
Thinking of you and your family <3
Maham Akbar
So sorry for this, Dave. I'm hopeful medical science can fix this soon. But for now, you have my full, endless support.
William O'Dell
Much love to your family! I have needed to renovate my home for wheelchair use and make a lot of adjustments. If I can be helpful, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Mary Rouvelas
Holding your family in the light.
Emily Kimberly
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Joanne Kramer
We're keeping you, David and the boys in our thoughts. There's a massive village behind Team Sward and we're here to help in any way!
-Ranjana & Matt
Ranjana Caple
Best wishes to the Sward Family!
Jarrod Frahm
Love you Team Sward
Emily Holubowich
We love you and are her to support you in this super marathon.
Anonymous
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of David Sward
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.
Subscribe to this campaign to receive updates.
Accessibility for all: Helping people connect with who and what matters most
Building leading-edge mobility products
One of the largest mobility dealers in the U.S.
Consult with specially-trained pharmacists, get your medications for pickup or delivery and more
All news, and all that matters to you
Your first step to optimized communications
The event for the disability community
Born to connect, empower and inspire the rare disease community.
A mobility dealer for wheelchair accessible vehicles and adaptive equipment