Aaron Teel

In 2008, at the age of 24, Aaron Teel was paralyzed in a hit and run car accident leaving him instantly a C6 quadriplegic (with no movement from his chest down), and was told he would not walk again. Despite the prognosis, Aaron made a definitive goal to do just that. His goal is to get back to life like it was before the accident…to be able to play soccer, surf, golf, snowboard and skateboard.

Aaron has remained laser-focused on that goal, so much so that in 2009 he located back to Central Florida to attend an intensive activity-based recovery program at Project Walk Orlando (http://www.projectwalkorlando.org/client/aaron-t/). Liza Riedel, Founder and Executive Director of Project Walk Orlando, and the mother of a young adult living with a spinal cord injury, says that most of their clients are facing similar situations as Aaron’s when they come to them.They are seeking ‘out-of-the-box’ alternatives; something other than what the ‘system’ pushes them towards–spending their lives in their wheelchairs, with no hope of getting out of them.

Aaron’s continued dedication with the aggressive therapy has helped him make significant gains toward his recovery. Today he is able to live independently—even drive his own car. But despite the program’s notable benefits, it is not covered by insurance. To help offset his uninsured medical costs, like therapy at Project Walk, Aaron and his family maintain a fundraising campaign with the nonprofit HelpHOPELive, relying on fundraiser events to help bridge the financial gap between what insurance will pay and what is actually needed to heal, live and thrive after injury.

In support of this mission, Aaron and his family host an Annual Spaghetti Cook-Off fundraiser in Orlando. The sauce contest and event are open to the public. Proceeds benefit the HelpHOPELive Southeast Spinal Cord Injury Fund in honor of Aaron Teel. For more information on the annual event, visit www.spaghetticookoff.wordpress.com.

Not able to make the event, but still want to help? Tax-deductible donations “in honor of Aaron Teel” can be made online by clicking the yellow “Donate Now” button on this page. You may also call 800.642.8399 or mail a check directly to HelpHOPELive: 2 Radnor Corporate Ctr., 100 Matsonford Road, Suite. 100, Radnor, PA 19087. If mailing a check, be sure to note “In Honor of Aaron Teel” in the memo section.

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