One September day in 2010 however, changed my life forever. Away on vacation and diving into a pool, I suffered a spinal cord injury, leaving me a quadriplegic with no use of my legs and limited use of arms and hands. Since that tragic September day I have learned much about life from where I sit. While much thought and careful planning goes into the most modest of tasks, I’ve learned to embrace and conquer each challenge I encounter. While I face daily struggles, the support of family and friends helps me push harder to achieve my goal of full recovery and returning to a full life.

To achieve these goals I plan on attending Central Florida based Recovery Oriented Rehabilitation Therapies. These high intensity activity-based programs focus on using specific exercises that are related in restoring functional mobility through biomechanically sound practices. These movements attempt to re-establish patterned neural activity within the central nervous system and create new connections below my injury level. The cost of this therapy is $100/ hour and sessions typically run three hours a day — three days a week. While this rehab therapy holds much promise, the cost is not covered by insurance.

To assist with the costs of therapy and home training devices, a fundraising in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution today by clicking the DONATE NOW button.

Sincerely,

Tim Allen
[email protected]
(c) 813-546-7723