On August 27, 2012 while on my way to a job that I loved, I was involved in an automobile accident that left me a C5-C6 quadriplegic. I was paralyzed from the chest down. My mom was told I had the “typical” Christopher Reeve injury and to expect that I would not have use of my legs, hands or arms. I would need to use a power wheelchair for the rest of my life, and be dependent on others for my care. Statements that I have already proven wrong and will never accept.
This accident changed my life forever in a way that presented some huge challenges to overcome, challenges I have accepted. I CONTINUE to strive to overcome the odds and prognosis. I CONTINUE to regain movement and control of my body. I have achieved these gains through hard work, and some amazing therapy.
Updates (2)
April 2, 2024
Through the generous donations and the Help Hope Live organization I have been able to reach milestones in my journey that seemed insurmountable. It started with having the funds to pursue intensive therapy across the east coast on a daily schedule. Being able to work out with the newest technologies and greatest trainers was a blessing that led to life changing gains. The biggest and first was gaining the upper body strength and balance to return to driving which gave me the ability to start my AA at state community college. After a couple years I was able to improve my grades enough to be accepted into the University of Stetson.
After continued blessings and improvements I have been able to graduate from Stetson with my Bachelor’s in Business Administration majoring in accounting that has led to an internship and possibly the ability to provide for myself and a future family.
Recently my health has attempted to temporarily stop that pursuit of independence and a successful life. I have had to endure another few surgeries, and several weeks in the hospital. The blessing of falling down a hill you have climbed before though is you know the path and what caused you to slip. I know therapy and my pursuit of a healthy life is the fastest and best chance of climbing the mountain again. If you have the ability, please continue to support my journey, and help myself raise the funds to receive the programs I need to regain my health.
Thank you, Kirk Crandall
March 21, 2016
I want to thank all of my supporters immensely. You all have helped drastically improve my life already. Thanks solely to the fundraising, I have been able to train at Barwis Methods over the last 15 months. My growth in those 15 months has been truly incredible; my arms, core, and hand function has improved so much. I am starting to drive again for the first time in over three years. This milestone alone is beyond measure for my journey to independence. My legs have even started moving. My improvements have been so drastic that the doctors have finally reclassified my injury as incomplete. All of this is so amazing but none of it would be possible without support from all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will continue to fight and make you proud.
Did you know?
•Insurance allows for only 20 days of rehab per year for someone with a spinal cord injury (no wonder so few recovery)
•Kirk trains for 10 hours per week at a rate of $100/hr which is all self-paid
•The estimated recovery to rebuild neurological mapping is 45 months (according to Mike Barwis, inventor of neurological re-engineering technique)
•Kirk has completed 15 months in the program so far, showing remarkable gains
Photo Galleries (2)
Guestbook
October 30, 2019
You\'re truly an inspiration to all of us at Sun Coast Fence. Thank you for sharing your story and never giving up!
Sun Coast Fence
December 27, 2018
Kirk, you are AWESOME!
Johnny Svajko
December 21, 2018
Wishing you well in your therapy and recovery. I am glad I can help
Earl Hughes
