Carl Schwartz

Dear Friends and Family,

As you know, Carl Schwartz has been an exceptional athlete and fitness enthusiast his entire life, running competitively through college and then recreationally well past retirement. He has completed numerous marathons, hiked the trails of the Pacific Northwest, walked every square inch of West Seattle, and still found time to weight lift in his garage. His latest passion though was cycling. He regularly went on long distance training rides, cycled on his stationary bike, and threw in a century ride (100 miles) every couple of weeks just for fun. His dedication to exercise was unmatched. Unfortunately, his running, hiking and cycling days have come to a devastating end.

Carl was involved in a life-changing accident on March 13, 2017, while riding his bike on a path in Seattle. He suffered a C2A spinal cord injury leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. He is confined to a wheelchair and relies on a respirator to assist his breathing through a tracheostomy. With the help of extensive training, he learned to speak and eat some foods. After spending three months at Harborview Medical Center, both in ICU and Rehab, Carl was discharged on June 14. Just as she did while Carl was an avid athlete, his wife Sherry has been by his side every minute of this heart-breaking ordeal.

What we are learning from this experience is Carl’s quadriplegia has dictated major adjustments to every aspect of the couple’s life. Early on they determined their house in West Seattle would not accommodate his disability and decided to relocate to Spokane, WA. Their new home will require the installation of a vertical lift and accompanying non-electric wheelchair, as well as a long list of specialized equipment, including a patient lift, custom bed, electric wheelchair, and a mobility-assist van that serve in his daily routine. He presently requires assistance beyond what Sherry can provide, such as transfers from bed to chair, grooming and bathroom care, feeding, and continual monitoring of his breathing. Soon he will be involved in regular rehabilitation sessions.

While Carl and Sherry planned well for retirement, there was simply no way to predict the deep impact on their finances this accident would have. His annual care will be very expensive due to the level of attention he needs and the dependency on the respirator. Our family is reaching out for your help. A donation in any amount is greatly appreciated and will be put directly toward Carl’s current and future medical expenses.

Thank you and God bless,

The Schwartz Family
Todd, Daniel, ReNae, and Rachael

We have chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility to the full extent allowed by law for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!