Danielle Watson

Dear friends and supporters,

I have some wonderful news to share with you all. In May, almost 5 years from the date of my injury, I graduated with my master’s degree in occupational therapy! I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. I know that I absolutely couldn’t have done this without your donation!

Unfortunately, spinal cord injury is a chronic condition that does not improve. It takes a toll on the body and I have experienced increasing health problems over the years. For this reason, I am asking you to think about donating again for the 5-year anniversary since my accident. I still have to complete 6 months of unpaid internships and pass a major board exam before I can work, which may be a year away. Then I will face the mystery of private health insurance and copays and the massive student debt I took on to get this degree.

A harrowing thought is the estimated lifetime cost for becoming paraplegic at age 25- over $2,000,000 for life or $68,000 a year (data from the Christopher Reeves Foundation). Your donations can shield me from many of these large expenses. Because this injury lasts a lifetime, I need to ask if you would make another donation for my 5-year anniversary.

If you are able and would like to continue to help, please consider a tax deductible contribution. All contributions are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only.

Thank you again for your support and allowing me to continue to thrive!
Sincerely,

Danielle Lancelot Watson
Check out my blog at: daniellelancelotwatson.wordpress.com