On August 11, 2011, at the age of 16, life changed for Cole Sydnor and his family in an instant. While swimming with friends on the James River in Richmond, Virginia, Cole dove into the river and hit his head on a rock, shattering his C5 vertebrae and is paralyzed from his chest down.
Only the quick thinking of Cole’s friends saved his life. Cole was sent to MCV where he spent 11 days in ICU. He had surgery to remove bone fragments and to stabilize his spine. On August 22, 2011, Cole was transferred to the Shepherd Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta, Georgia to begin his long rehabilitation.
Through all of this, Cole maintained his sense of humor, his deep faith and demonstrated courage beyond that of a 16 year old. He is an inspiration to his family, friends and the entire community.
Prior to the accident Cole was a fierce athletic competitor on his high school lacrosse and basketball teams. He is an excellent student, true friend, and just a “look you in the eye” kind of guy any parent would be proud to call their own.
As you can imagine, the cost throughout his lifetime of therapy and hospitalizations will be staggering. While Cole’s family has health insurance, there are expenses insurance will not cover, such as ongoing therapy, durable medical equipment and supplies, specially-equipped automobile, special travel accommodations, and home modifications. The home modifications alone are expected to cost approximately $200,000.
To help offset the cost of these expenses, friends of Cole’s family have started a fundraising campaign in his honor with HelpHOPELive. HelpHOPELive is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over 30 years and the catastrophically-injured community for more than 10 years. All donations are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses and are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contributions will be greatly appreciated and will assist Cole and his family throughout his lifetime of recovery.
Since Cole’s accident, he has worked hard to graduate from high school, on time with his class, and has transitioned onto campus at the The University of Richmond where he is a full time student pursuing a Psychology degree with an emphasis in NeuroScience. If you can help and wish to contribute:
Make checks payable to:
HelpHOPELive
IMPORTANT: Note in memo section:
In Honor of Cole Sydnor
Mail to:
HelpHOPELive
Two Radnor Corporate Center
100 Matsonford Road, Suite 100
Radnor, PA 19087
For secure credit card donations:
Call 800-642-8399 or click the “DONATE NOW” button at the top of this page.
On behalf of Cole and his family, we thank you for your support, generosity and prayers.
Updates (7)
January 25, 2018
For the latest updates on Cole's incredible journey, plus new photos and more, please follow Rolling toward Restoration on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1748176568822420/
December 15, 2016
New pictures! https://helphopelive.org/campaign/album/11826/gallery?return=/campaign/3704
April 4, 2016
Remember to register your Kroger customer rewards card at this website and select helphopelive: https://www.kroger.com/topic/kroger-community-rewards-3
Then just use your Kroger rewards card and Kroger will donate to HelpHOPELive in honor of Cole!
February 29, 2016
Pictures from the wheelchair basketball division championship at Carousel House in Philadelphia: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/album/10000/gallery?return=/campaign/3704
June 27, 2015
It is the summer of 2015 and we are close to our 4th year since the accident. Cole has just completed his 2nd year at the University of Richmond and is doing well. We are thrilled at how wonderful UR has been in accommodating Cole's needs. In fact, Cole and Kelly have had multiple meetings with different Deans and Heads of Dept as to HOW UR can be even more accommodating.
On a different note, we've just completed the 2nd ROLL WITH COLE Sportathon benefitting the Swim With Mike charity of which Cole is a beneficiary. It was and will continue to be a great success largely to the efforts of my lovely wife Kelly but with the support of our neighborhood, church and many, many friends.
As a family, we continue to marvel how this "accident" has shaped our lives - in many instances for the better.
For that we are thankful.
October 19, 2011
Times-Dispatch Article about Cole
http://bit.ly/qF8P52
January 11, 2012
Cole's Homecoming
www.youtube.com/watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VShCL9inZ0
Photo Galleries (3)
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Guestbook
April 8, 2018
Fantastic to meet you Cole. What a great young man you are. A chip off the old block like your wonderful parents. Life has much in store for you. Best, Zane
Zane Neff
April 7, 2018
Cole, it was a pleasure meeting you and your mom at the Wizards game last night. You are an impressive young man with a bright future in front of you. Keep on caring and working and moving forward.
Best Wishes,
Glenn Lebowitz
Glenn Lebowitz
May 20, 2016
Cole, You're an inspiration to all of us cousins in Texas! Blessings on you and your family! We love you!
Judith Sydnor McNeel
January 17, 2012
Be Strong. God will lead you through this.
Shannon Assante
December 8, 2011
Dear Cole and the entire Sydnor family,
God Bless! You are such an inspiration and a reminder of what really matters. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I work with your mom at Brighton and my husband, Tony and I have traveled with your parents on Brighton trips.
Much Love, Tony and Rhonda Colatruglio
November 24, 2011
Hi Cole, Thinking of you, with prayers from Cathy Reese (I am a friend of your dads from Farmers Insurance, Agoura Hills Ca)
Cathy Reese
November 23, 2011
Cathy Reese - Agoura Hills Ca
November 22, 2011
Cole, you go to my church, NHPC, or you atleast used to a while back. You hurt yourself on my 13th birthday, and ever since ive been appart of selling the [Brunswick] stew for you, and donatateing the greater portion of my babysitting money. I really do hope things get better. with Love aand support, Emilee (: BTW Atlee misses you!
Emilee ( Mechanicsville, VA)
November 13, 2011
Cole, we don't know you personally, but are part of your "extended family" in Mechanicsville, VA. A friend is having his 13th birthday party today and asked that people send a contribution to support you in lieu of giving him a birthday gift. So, that's what we did. With prayers and best wishes for your ongoing recovery, the Hostetter Family
Nate, Joey & Jordan Hostetter
November 12, 2011
Cole, I knew your parents many years ago . . . even went to their wedding! You and your family are an inspiration. We will all be glad when you are home.
Jane Starkey Werner, Maidens, VA
November 10, 2011
Hi Cole! I think and pray for you daily and look forward to your homecoming. I am Samantha and Kyle Barnitt's mom and I know that you don't know me but I really want to be of assistance to you and your family when you return home. Hang in there and know that you are in many peoples thoughts and prayers.
Felicia Barnitt, Mechanicsville, VA
November 7, 2011
Hi Cole! We're cousins and I heard about your accident through the family news. When something like this happens, suddenly the world becomes a smaller place, and we all realize and begin to hang onto what really matters. So, your accident, rehabilitation and life are leading us all into new places that we never dreamed of before. And, that's a good thing. Lead on!
Paul Sydnor, Lille, France
October 31, 2011
My love to you, Cole, as I hang on to every word written and said about your great progress at Shepherd. What is happening in your honor speaks volumes about who you and your family are. I am proud to claim you as my family and am most grateful to your community, school and church friends for their care for you all. Aunt Kit
Kit Haynes, Salisbury, NC
October 26, 2011
Hello Cole, my name is Vanessa (Im Justin's aunt) the yount man that your dad got to speak with at the Golf Tournament! Know that he (we) think about you often and continue to keep you and your family in our prayers.
Vanessa Spurlock, Aylett, VA
October 20, 2011
Cole and Family, we want you to know that we are all supporting you. Cole you are a courageous young man with such tremendous strength and drive! Stay Strong, We love you Cole!
Some friends at Performance/Roma Foodservice i would like to know if they could do a great big Italian Dinner to raise funds. If that is something that we could do please let us know. I can be reached by email at [email protected]
Mark Moreno, Williamsburg Lacrosse
October 19, 2011
Cole and Family you are in our thoughts daily, Your Mom is an amazing writer,How blessed you are to have so many people in your life .God bless you and your family!
Carolyn ,Dennis,Rosemary and Ryne West
October 18, 2011
Cole and family, I've been praying and reading and praying some more. Thanks for sharing your blog and your donation page to so many friend of friends and friends of family. As a very close friend to your uncle Jon Paul, and aunt Abby, I am rooting for you to continue such great progress. BEST wishes!
Alix Caulton, East Walpole MA
October 1, 2011
Hey Cole;
Just want you to know that our family prays for you daily! You have a lot of good friends out here and we're all pulling for you to be home soon!
The Eacho's
The Eacho's
September 26, 2011
Hello Cole. I have been following Chris Boshar's recovery on his FB care page where I learned about Tyler Hoog and now you! I hope you are doing well. God has a plan for everyone, Cole. Keep positive...keep strong...have faith. Don't ever give up! There are so many people praying for you, people you don't even know like me! :-) I hope this day brings you many smiles. God bless you and your family.
Lisa McLean/Burlington, MA
September 25, 2011
Hi Cole,this is Ty's Grammy. I didn't think there was anyone who could equal Ty's winning smile, but you have proven me wrong.You and Ty can light up a room with your smiles.Have faith and keep up the good work, they both do wonders.
Sandy Hoog/Longmontm CO.
September 25, 2011
Hi Cole,this is Ty's Grammy. I didn't think there was anyone who could equal Ty's winning smile, but you have provened me wrong.You and Ty can light up a room with your smiles.Have faith and keep up the good work, they both do wonders.
Sandy Hoog/Longmontm CO.
September 23, 2011
Hey Cole, Your 2nd cousin Jason Wilbourn here. Don't know you real well, you guys grow up to fast and you have been a lot of places with your mom and dad. Man you sure look a lot better than I did when I had that collar round my neck. Only I just had a spinal fusion at C-6/C-7. Not near as bad as got it. But what a smile on your face, can't beat this thing without that. Keep up the faith. I almost lost the use of my right hand and arm. Due to pinched nerves, but God has smiled on me and I have regained about 99% complete use. Man ain't God GREAT. WE all know he's smiling on you. Talk again soon. Hey check out my webstore your mom's should have the stuff. Let me know if there is something you would like in there, UPS will bring it to you.
Love you, keep the faith
Jason (SPIDER430)
Jason Wilbourn / Wills Point, Texas
September 20, 2011
Hi Cole! We don't know you but we sure do know a lot of people who do know you and obviously love you a great deal! Along with a lot of the Atlee Raiders Family, we have been following your blog so we feel we know you now. The miracles you have been making on a daily basis have been amazing so keep up the good work! Know there are a lot of people praying for you that don't even know you! With the power of prayer and your goodwill we look forward to continued miracles!
Keeler's Mechanicsville
September 19, 2011
Hi Cole, I went to New Hanover with you and taught you in Sunday School as a fill in. I am also friends with your grandparents. Your grandfather was my pastor when I was younger and lived next door to me. Your strength and faith are so amazing!!! You are an inspiration to so many. Continued prayers to you and your family. Stay strong in your rehab and know there are so many that love you and are praying for you!!!!
Rebecca Beazley
September 18, 2011
Hi Cole, I am one of your 3 cousins (how ever that works), I am Lawson Hockman's daughter. I am sorry to hear about your accident and am praying for your strength to through rehab!! May God continue to be with you and your family!!
Tammy Schmolder/ Santa Rosa, California
September 14, 2011
We watch your progress, and are amazed, inspired! God is with you and so are we.
The Leitch's and hundreds of friends can't wait to welcome you home!
With Love,
The Leitch Family
September 13, 2011
Thinking of you and can't wait for you to come home! We all miss you so much! Hang in there! You are doing amazing!
Vanessa Eberle, Mechanicsville, VA
September 13, 2011
Hi Cole, my name is Wray White. I have played ball with your dad for about 10 years at Kings Charter and various gyms around the area, currently at Chickahominy MS. My son Earl coached you in basketball last year at Atlee. Man it was great to see your smile in the picture on the front of the web page here! (just saw Coach Dyer's note below) He always spoke highly of you whenever we talked about his games. Your dad has always been a great guy and a good teammate. If you're anything like Clem, you'll do well. I'm a Christian like you and your family Cole. Keep the Faith! God will never let you down, nor ever leave you or forsake you. From your picture, looks like you already know that! We are praying for you, almost every time we pray. It works! All for now. By the way, your Dad never could score on me, and I have given him plenty of "facial" slam dunks throughout our playing history. Just ask him.
Wray White, Glen Allen, VA.
September 13, 2011
Thinking of you, with prayers from Jackson, Missouri. (I'm a friend of the Subers)
Linda Eakins
September 13, 2011
Hi Cole, we don't know you personally but we live in your neighborhood. Wanted you to know we are praying for you!
The Ryan Family
September 13, 2011
I am so excited that you are making such great progress in Atlanta!! Your entire family at Atlee shows their complete support every single day at lunch, football games, etc. Keep your head high and work towards your goals. You will always be in my Jewish prayers.
Matthew Rohr
September 12, 2011
Cole Its good to see you smiling and keeping your spirits high. The way you seem to be handling everything reminds me a lot of my JV season with you...didnt play much until the end of the season but then came up huge for us in the Hanover game. We couldnt have won it without. I really enjoyed coaching you and I use you as an example all them time when I tell kids about always being ready because you never know when your opportunity will come. Keep your head up and keep that "always ready mentality man!" Coach Dyer
Earl Dyer/Richmond, VA
September 10, 2011
What a handsome guy you are, Cole! You've never had a bigger smile or better looking face in any Facebook photo. We're all thinking of you and hoping and praying for the best for you and yours every minute of the day. We send our love and God Speed.
Cousin Syd
September 8, 2011
Cole, we are with you every step, watching and anticipating every step of your progress! You are doing absolutely amazing!
The Rohrs'
September 7, 2011
Last message was supposed to say!
Love
The Mackays
The mackays
September 7, 2011
Cole:
We are all praying and rooting for you. The whole community is behind you here in and can't wait to see you back in Virginia!
Stay Strong!
Love
Mail a Check
Make checks payable to:
Help Hope Live
Note in memo:
In honor of Cole Sydnor
Mail to:
Help Hope Live
2 Radnor Corporate Center
Suite 100
100 Matsonford Road
Radnor, PA 19087
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