Dianne Vitkus

Help Dianne Voyage Forward

On July 19, 2020 my life changed in a heartbeat.

I fell 12 feet, was rushed to the hospital and had emergency surgery for a C6 spinal cord injury. The first couple of weeks were the hardest I faced in my 28 years.

In addition to not being able to move anything from my chest down it was extremely difficult to breathe. I had fractured my right scapula and punctured a lung. I needed chest tubes, a respirator, and then later a tracheotomy. I spent 4 weeks in the ICU and my health care team helped me thankfully overcome pneumonia and breathe again on my own. I’ve since been able to transfer to a rehabilitation hospital in Boston. My days here are filled with intense physical therapy and occupational therapy. I am working extremely hard towards my new normal.

I love being outdoors and being active. I ran track and played soccer and lacrosse in high school. I went on to play Division 1 lacrosse at Brown University and was honored to serve as a team captain my senior year, Go Bears! Since graduating, I’ve remained active by hiking and traveling, and last year ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. After college I earned my Master’s degree as a Physician’s Assistant. Prior to my fall, I was working with a surgical group in a hospital near my hometown in Syracuse, N.Y. – I absolutely loved what I did.

I feel so blessed to have had the support of my family and many amazing, loving friends over these past several weeks. The road ahead is a long one and many people have asked how they can help. I’m not one to ask for help, but I am determined to make the most of all of this and I recognize that this will require me leaning on others for assistance. Even with insurance and the support of my family, the cost of my care and future accommodations will be substantial. I want to return to a career where I can help others, and this will require many out-of-pocket expenses such as home and vehicle accommodations, wheelchairs, continued therapy, and quite possibly home health support. For this reason, I have decided to utilize the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and all they offer.

For those looking to help, donations to Help Hope Live will help support me rebuild my life. I thank you in advance for your support.

Dianne Vitkus

Family and friends of Dianne Vitkus are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

Dianne has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

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

Thank you for your support!