Jason Finn

Our Friend Jason Needs Your Help

On behalf of the family and friends of Jason Finn, we write to ask for your help. Jason’s zest for life and laughter are contagious. You can usually find him outside, whether it be multi-day hiking adventures, kayaking, skiing, biking, or sitting around a backyard fire with friends.

He is an active member of the Old West End neighborhood, where he and his girlfriend Jeni Belt reside, and together they work to make their community a better place. He is always ready with a “yes,” and eager to lend a hand when needed. Jason’s Fabulous Funk Fish, an amazing art car, was a labor of love that he has graciously shared with so many people. It’s a sight to behold and a perfect manifestation of his creative energy.

Life took a very unexpected turn for Jason and Jeni on January 9. Just 2 days after his 47th birthday, Jason was severely injured in a boogie-boarding accident while vacationing in Puerto Rico. His body was found unresponsive in the water, and what appeared to be a near-drowning was actually caused by a C5 fracture and spinal cord injury, which rendered him unconscious in the water. His spinal cord injury resulted in paralysis below his chest. To date, he has had 2 hospital stays and emergency surgery in Puerto Rico, medical transport from Puerto Rico to Toledo, intensive care in Toledo, and ongoing inpatient rehab in Chicago.

Jason has been working very hard in rehab and has regained some use of his left arm, but will need additional rehab to continue his progress. His friends and family have been making necessary arrangements to bring him home, including extensive home modifications to accommodate his wheelchair and care needs, a vehicle to transport him safely, and home care for assistance with basic activities of daily living. In addition, we hope to take advantage of whatever opportunities may present themselves for continued outpatient rehab, emerging treatments and adaptive equipment to allow us to begin to enjoy the “new normal.” Unfortunately, most of these expenses are not covered by insurance.

To help with the financial burden of Jason’s uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 35 years. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, will be held by Help Hope Live in the Great Lakes Catastrophic Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only.

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.

Needless to say, this accident has certainly changed Jason’s and Jeni’s lives. Jason’s attitude, strong-will, and resilience, however, remain intact, and even flourish. His sense of humor is unscathed and his laughter is as contagious as ever. His gratitude and compassion are touching. His desire to learn and grow are admirable, and Jeni and Jason’s dedication and love for each other reminds us of what really matters in life.

We hope that you will consider a contribution so we can help them as they have helped so many.

Sarah Skow and Jason Quick, friends of Jason and Jeni
Mechelle Zarou and Cory Cripe, friends of Jason and Jeni
Morgan Finn and Kali Marsh, Jason’s brother and his girlfriend
Wendy and Nick Poskarbiewicz, friends of Jason and Jeni