Jason Thurston

Help Jason get back on the road again

It has been 18 years since Jason broke his neck in his own swimming pool, at the age of 31. He has been a quadriplegic since then with limited arm function. He has always found comfort in giving back. First through the local independent living center for 5 years, and more recently for as Outreach Coordinator for John Dillon Park, an accessible campground. After persevering through many struggles and eventually becoming independent enough to live alone. One thing he has always struggled with is transportation.

After investing close to $30,000, in a total of four vans, only one he could drive; they all had to be retired due to rusted frames. In 2018 he had enough practice to go for his driving test, but his van failed inspection. Currently he has access to rides to medical appointments and for his job.

He is also chairman of an accessibility advisory committee to the department of environmental conservation and has begun writing blogs for the local tourism organization about access to outdoor recreation.

With a van he could drive, and the means to obtain his license, Jason would be able to give back so much more, and finally be able to visit family and friends who live hours away.

Donations through help hope live will give Jason the freedom to go where and when he wants in order to spread the word about access to the outdoors to countless people disabilities.

Here are some podcasts and articles that I have been a part of:

Capital Pressroom Podcast

Adirondack Experience Blog
https://www.adirondackexperience.com/story/2022/pinnacle-of-independence

Adirondack Explorer article
https://www.adirondackexplorer.org/stories/accessible-adirondacks –

Life after paralysis podcast
https://lnns.co/3EwmTKDytc5