As many of you know, Josh suffered a C-5 spinal cord injury on Saturday, August 23rd as a result of a diving accident. This injury has left him paralyzed from his chest down. While such an injury is devastating to a person physically, emotionally and mentally, it is also financially troubling.
Josh is already so very grateful for all of the love, support and prayers everyone has given to him. Even with insurance, he will face many uninsured injury-related expenses such as: rehabilitation therapy, home modifications, the purchase of a handicapped accessible vehicle, and monthly medical supplies, just to name a few. The CDC estimates that an individual living with a spinal cord injury will have between $500,000 and $3 million in lifetime out-of-pocket expenses.
Updates (2)
December 7, 2014
Thank you everyone for all your donations, prayers, gifts, cards and encouragement! After four months of rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, I am finally returning to Richmond when I discharge from Day Program on December 31st. I am so grateful to the doctors, medical staff and therapists here for helping me make the gains I have. Still, I know I have a long way to go as this is definitely a marathon and not a sprint!
What a relief to have an apartment that meets my physical needs! And I want to thank everyone who is helping me furnish and equip my new place. I am looking forward to seeing everyone but I am also overwhelmed by all I am going to need to start this new phase of my life.
Your current donations have helped me pay my outstanding medical bills as well as for equipment that has not been covered by medical insurance and for that I am so grateful! I can't say thank you enough! However, with discharge from Shepherd just around the corner, I am realizing to be able to live my life as a quadriplegic, I have financial needs that are overwhelming! Many of you have asked what I need and how you can help. It is very hard for me to share all of this, but I realize without help it will be difficult, if not impossible, to meet my current needs.
When I return to Richmond I will have to purchase a used modified vehicle that will accommodate my motorized wheelchair. I am going to have many therapy and doctor appointments as well as need to be able to get out and about. Further down the road, I hope to purchase a vehicle that will be modified for me to drive myself! That will be an exciting day for sure!
Caregiving is another issue that I need to address. My Mom is planning on moving in with me to provide care, but I recognize with her health issues, and my current need for 24/7 care, that I need to be able to hire a part time caregiver.
Though I have made great progress here at Shepherd, to continue my recovery, I need to participate in ongoing therapy (my health insurance has limited outpatient therapy) and work out on equipment that is not covered by insurance. Without ongoing therapy, I will not be able to progress and would lose some of the recovery I have made. One thing I know for sure is to recover from a spinal cord injury takes daily and hard work! I won't ever quit fighting!
Again, thank you all for your love, support and prayers! It has meant so much to me and has kept me going, especially on some of my more difficult days.
Josh
September 30, 2014
Thank you all so much for your love, support, prayers, and donations. Josh is forever grateful for each and every one of you. Please join the facebook page below to follow Josh's progress. God Bless!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/prayerswarriorsforjoshksmith/
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
September 28, 2014
Praying for a speedy recovery.
Naomi
September 25, 2014
Prayers for continued strength!
Danielle Allen & family
September 24, 2014
Your positive attitude is an inspiration. If the character of a man is defined through adversity you have made your family and friends very proud. Continue to get strong! God Bless
Clapman family
