Thriving after the unexpected
Hi! Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising site. As many of you know, almost 16 years ago on September 27, 2007 I went from a completely healthy, active 34-year-old woman to a C5 quadriplegic in about 4 hours due to a rare auto-immune disease called Transverse Myelitis. Since then, I have been on a challenging journey of recovery. I have done my best to not let my circumstances define me or hinder my determination to improve my quality of life.
With determination and the support of my loved ones, I have made significant strides in all aspects of life. Physical therapy and other healing modalities have been a lifeline for me, providing essential pain management, mobility training, and strengthening exercises that have allowed me to regain some independence and improve my quality of life.
I humbly request your assistance. Believe me when I say I would prefer not to ask, but I need help to access vital therapies not covered by insurance that will enable me to manage my pain effectively and improve my overall well-being. Your support will not only provide relief from physical discomfort but also give me the strength and motivation to continue fighting for a better life. Most importantly it will give me hope.
With much love and gratitude,
Cynthia
Updates (5)
July 2, 2024
Earlier this month I had an amazing week in Missoula, Montana with @empowerspinalcordinjury ! I and nine other SCI participants were treated to a week of so much goodness, There were highly skilled OT’s and PT’s to work with, yoga, dancing, counseling, cycling, day on the lake and lots of ice cream. All the attendant care was provided as well and everyone there volunteered their time! I had a lot of trepidation about being outside of my comfort zone and it felt like a trust fall. Thankfully I was caught and so cared for. The coordination by the leaders and the incredible positive energy of every single person there created a special sauce where friendships were formed quickly and easily, smiles and laughs were constant and my chronic pain and anxiety were dulled to a whisper. The whole week was like catching lightening in a bottle.
Coming back to reality has been a difficult reentry, but I take my quiet moments to harness that good juju. Thank you all for your contributions that make experiences like this a reality!
July 31, 2023
Thank you all for your generosity! We are getting so close to our initial matching goal, and it’s incredible! Thanks to you, Cynthia can look forward to continued therapy at home for a year, as well as a trip to do intensive therapy with experts. She and Trevor can look forward to hiring respite care for the next few months, to give him a chance to relax, and she'll be able purchase the installation of an EZ Locke on her new power chair so she can continue to drive, increasing her independence!
Let’s keep this momentum going! If we get beyond our $15,000 matching goal, Cynthia can be confident of paying for her continued therapy beyond those months, and may even be able to purchase a new manual assist chair that will allow her to travel more comfortably.
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
May 31, 2024
So happy to support a childhood friend from NJ!!! Thank your mom for letting me know about it.
Phil
Philip Salibello
May 31, 2024
This comes with love, hope, admiration and prayers.
Lynne Boyd
April 19, 2024
Cynthia,
Think of you often & always check in with Laurie on how you are doing. Sending you lots of love & hugs.
Alexis
Alexis Leckey (Brady)
