John Bowders

John Bowders recently suffered a life-changing spinal cord injury following a devastating bicycle accident. Now paralyzed from the waist down, John has no use of his legs and will require a wheelchair and other adaptive equipment for the rest of his life.

Although John has lost the use of his legs, he has not lost his humor, his optimistic outlook on life, or his infectious smile! Everyone who knows John knows that being outdoors and active are critical components to his happiness. Most especially, John loves bicycling. During his stay at the rehabilitation hospital, John has had the opportunity to try handcycling and learn about other adaptive sports and outdoor equipment. One of John’s goals, in addition to handcycling for recreation and fitness, is commuting to work by handcycle.

Although John has health insurance, not all of his medical expenses are covered and must be paid out of pocket. Most notable for John’s independence and quality of life are adapting his car for driving, adaptive sports equipment, and a second wheel chair (necessary if he is to commute to work by handcycle). In addition, it is highly likely that he will require additional surgery on his collarbone which will result in return to the rehabilitation hospital. Insurance will not pay for his transportation back to the hospital where he has received care to date, nor transportation or living expenses for Patti during this second rehabilitation.

Many of you continue to ask how you can help John in his recovery and transition to a new lifestyle. We have a found a way, through HelpHOPELive. A fundraising campaign in John’s honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a trusted nonprofit organization that has been providing community-based fundraising guidance to patients and their families for more than 30 years. All donations are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Midwest/West Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution.

If you are interested in planning a fundraiser or helping with one, please contact me directly. HelpHOPELive encourages friends and colleagues to plan their own fundraising EVENTS in honor of John and will work with you to help organize and put on an event. Think SPRING-a cycling event in honor of John perhaps or any type of fundraiser you would like to do.

On behalf of John and Patti, thank you so much for your generosity, support and prayers.

Teri Covington, Ride Again campaign fund organizer and one of John’s many friends.
517-927-1527
[email protected]