My name is Tara Celentano. I am a 48-year-old who loved my profession as a horse trainer. On December 27, 2006, that came to an immediate halt when I suffered a catastrophic injury. While leading a young horse in from the paddock, the horse jumped on me and broke my neck causing spinal cord damage and leaving me a quadriplegic. This means I have no control or use of my bladder, bowel, legs or trunk. I have minimal control and feeling from my chest and arms and no use of my hands. I now require 24-hour-care.
Horses were not only my occupation – but also my passion. I had been riding and competing in the horse industry successfully since I was 8 years old. I was fortunate to have ridden with some of the top dressage trainers: Lars Petersen – placed 12th in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games for Denmark, Anky van Grunsven – a 3-time gold medal winner for the Netherlands Team in 3 Olympics, and Michael Barisone – a USA Alternate for the 2008 Olympics. My dreams and goals were to be a competitive international rider.
I currently reside in Milford, NJ, but intend to move to FL because the weather is better for my health. I struggle from nerve pain, especially when it’s colder than 75 degrees. The sun also helps with depression and I am able to get outside regardless of the time of year. However, in making this move, my health benefits will not transfer. Without a private caregiver, I would require full time nursing home care. Caregiver services average $60k yearly. In addition, my goal is to participate in extensive programs at Project Walk – Florida. Physical therapy is critical to retain existing muscle memory, and allow the parts that work to get stronger.
To help offset my uninsured expenses, I have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Mid-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only. Help Hope Live retains 5% of donations raised (7.65% credit card) to cover the expense of managing my campaign.
For credit card contributions, please click the yellow Donate Now button.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering a contribution. If you have any questions, please contact me. I greatly appreciate your generosity and support.
Sincerely,
Tara Celentano
(646) 761-6541
