Mary Armbruster

Dear Family and Friends,

In late September 2011 my daughter, Mary Ruth, was driving a horse-drawn hay wagon when part of the wagon failed and she was run over. Mary suffered severe damage to her spine and is paralyzed from the waist down. She has been through several surgeries and is hoping to begin rehabilitation therapy at University of Michigan Medical Center. Her survival and recovery are the result of her incredible tenacity, hard work, resolve, the dedicated doctors and nurses, the prayers and support of family and friends.

Her return home will be a joyful time for us all; however it comes with a significant financial burden. By one estimate, the average first year expenses for someone suffering paraplegia are over $300,000.00. Although Mary has insurance coverage, there are many expenses that are not covered and must be paid out of pocket. These include retrofitting the family home, rehabilitation equipment, physical and occupational therapy sessions, purchasing a modified car, and more.

Many of you have asked if there was anyway to help Mary with these expenses. To help ease this financial burden, a fund raising campaign has been established in Mary’s honor with Help Hope Live, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for nearly 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Great Lakes Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury related expenses only. Please consider making a donation. Mary and I thank you for all your generosity, support and prayers,

Julie Armbruster
734-662-6496