My name is Justin Collier and I am a life-long resident of Mabank, TX. On September 5, 2009 at the age of 23 I was critically injured after jumping off of a boat in Cedar Creek Lake. The accident left me a C6 quadriplegic. My doctors gave me no hope and said that I would be paralyzed from the neck down for the rest of my life. From the moment I heard those words I refused to accept them and told myself I would prove my doctors wrong.
It has now been six years and I’m proud to say that did what I promised myself I would do. Not only am I no longer paralyzed from the neck down but with help from a caregiver I get up every morning and go to college. My dream now is to become a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) for individuals with disabilities and help them realize that there is still a productive life to live after acquiring a disability.
With the help of many close friends and family members helping me along the way I am very happy to say that I am 1 semester away from graduating college with my degree in Rehabilitation Studies from the University of North Texas!
Upon graduation I have been blessed by the Department of Assistive Rehabilitation Services (DARS) in receiving funding for modifications to a new vehicle. DARS is paying over $20,000 to make a vehicle accessible for me to drive and only require me to provide the vehicle to modify. My problem with this is that with living on a set income from the government and being unable to work due to pursuing my degree I am unable to afford a new vehicle without the help of others. I am asking and begging for any amount that you feel you could donate to make this possible for me. There is definitely not an amount to small and certainly not an amount to big to donate. Any and all money will be greatly appreciated!
To help offset this expense, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for 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 South-Central Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation:There is no donation that is too small and every contribution will help me reach my goals and increase my quality of life. For any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 903-802-5996.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Justin Collier
