August 3, 2015

Thanks to everyone who supported me at my fundraiser Sunday, it was a very successful event. It would not have been possible without the staff at AnyTime Fitness, Doc's Lounge, Gusto Pizza and ALL MY SUPPORTERS. Thank you so much for making this possible!!

July 30, 2015

Friends, as you all know, this has been a remarkable journey for my family and I. From a catastrophic injury to being told I probably wouldn't walk again to surgery and having to learn how to dress, take care of myself and after grueling hours in therapy re-learning how to walk again. I have come a long ways but my journey is not done. As most of you know, I have have had my application on at Barwis Methods in Michigan since last November. Mike Barwis has worked will elite athletes for several years. Mike discovered that some of the same training that he used on these athletes could directly transfer over and help those with spinal cord injuries recover more than they were told was possible. His success is unparalleled in the spinal cord recovery process. Unfortunately, this therapy is not covered by insurance AT ALL and it is $100-200 per hour and 3-4 hours per day. I have not been able to work for over 2 years and therefore I need help raising the funds needed to go to this exceptional facility. In my heart I believe Barwis Methods is more than likely my best and last chance of recovery that could help me lead a somewhat "normal" life. If you have the means to help me fund this journey, I humbly request your help. I assume I will need around $20K to pay for 2-3 months of training and apartment/hotel. Thank for your consideration and God Bless!

July 30, 2015

Friends, thank you so much for helping me attend Project Walk KC in March. I learned so much about my body while I trained. I was introduced to 3 he a day intense workouts and I got a lot stronger and when I got back my PT commented how much stronger I got. Thank you Dakota, Colby, Chris and Tom. You were incredible and my expectations were blown out of the water!!

February 9, 2015

Thank you so much for your generosity! I can't wait to start training and continue my quest to walk again. Thanks to everyone that has helped me along the way.

January 23, 2015

I had my initial consultation at Project Walk. Was a really tough 2 1/2 workout! Waiting for a suggested treatment plan.

January 15, 2015

I cannot believe the outpouring of support! Thanks so much for all your kind words!!

January 6, 2015

Hi, my name is Tom Ostwald and I am 52 yrs old and have been married to my wonderful wife Pat for. 29 yrs. We have 2 grown sons Dylan 21 and Ryan 19. On December 2, 2012, I was trying to fix a woodpecker hole in my siding when the ladder slipped and I fell 24 feet head first. At the last moment the ladder flipped me over and I landed flat on my back on a paving brick. Initially, I lost all feeling from the waist down. I was rushed to the hospital and was told I suffered an L-1 burst fracture and a severely twisted spine. My surgeon told me he had never seen a spine twist that bad without breaking. He fused my spine from T-12 to L2.

I spent 26 days in the hospital. My right leg slowly regained some feeling and strength. Unfortunately, my left leg did not come back as fast. Thru outpatient therapy I have regained feeling in about 80% below the point of injury. Mercy Riverside in Des Moines is where I have done all my outpatient therapy. My therapist has been incredible and has brought me a long way. Currently, my therapist sees me 1 hour every other week and gives me workouts to do at home and the gym. I workout 6 days a week. I use a walker most of the time but still must use a wheelchair daily. I have been a gym rat the last 20 years and my surgeon said the only reason I didn't break my spinal cord was because I was in such good shape that my muscles absorbed a lot of the fall.

I graduated from Arizona State University in 1990 and worked in the banking and lending industry since graduation. I worked for Citifinancial/OneMain Financial for 17 yrs in several managerial positions. I worked with some great people that I miss every day. I am unable to work now due to severe nerve pain and several blood clots I developed when I tried to go back to work.

I recently heard about an incredible rehab facility that specializes in spinal cord and neurological injuries. The name of the organization is "Project Walk." Unfortunately the nearest facility is in Minneapolis 4-5 hours away. Therefore, I will need to relocate there for 3-4 weeks. The therapy program will cost $1200-$1500 per week and none of it will be covered by insurance. I will also need to pay for lodging which will cost around $350 per week. That is why I am seeking help to pay these costs. My goal is to walk without any assistive equipment and decrease my nerve pain by connecting the nerve endings thru targeted therapy. I believe Project Walk can help me get there.

HelpHOPELive is assisting me raise funds to help with my medical expenses . I would greatly appreciate any support you can provide!!

Thank you and Good bless!!