Rebecca Forkey

On May 5, 2013 my life changed in the blink of an eye. I was on my way to the gym to meet with my coach and afterwards meet my father. Little did I know I was about to be the victim of a horrific car accident that would leave me a C-6 quadriplegic. I was airlifted to the nearest hospital, placed in a medically-induced coma, and many necessary surgeries were put on hold. My family arrived at the hospital to face the gruesome reality of what had happened to their daughter. Prior to the accident, I enjoyed working fulltime as an aesthetician at Dr. Edward Becker Dermatology, and training full time for an NPC bikini competition

Five days after my accident I was medically stable for the doctors to begin the various surgical procedures I required which included: spinal fusion, placement of a titanium rod in my leg, facial reconstructive surgery, surgery to repair my fractured jaw which required reinforcement and placement of an arch bar in hopes that the bone would regrow. Yet, my biggest feat was the healing of my collapsed lungs and crushed diaphragm. Against a doctor’s prediction of no future talking, eating, breathing or drinking on my own, I was determined to have my ventilator and trach removed and to overcome any obstacle in my way.

Through determination, hard work and a positive outlook I have been able to make considerable progress in the last six months. I have started attending a highly specialized rehabilitation program called SCI FIT three days a week. Each time I attend my body is tested to its limits as I am out of my chair for the entire 2-3 hour session. My legs are forced to bear weight, increasing bone density in addition to increasing blood flow and circulation. This is huge for me because it’s prepping my body for what it needs if I one day walk again. I would like my old life back. I am a survivor, not a victim. And I am determined not to let these unfortunate circumstances define me.

Even with insurance, I face many uninsured injury-related expenses such as: monthly rehab ($2,000 a month), durable equipment such as an FES bike ($28,000) and a modified van which will help bring me into the community as an independent individual. The above are all in addition to normal co-pays and deductibles and monthly medical supplies. Recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that lifetime out-of-pocket expenses for those with a spinal cord injury range between $500,000 and $3 million.

To assist with these uninsured expenses, a fundraising campaign in my honor has been established with HelpHOPELive, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for more than 30 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible, are held by HelpHOPELive in the Southwest Spinal Cord Injury Fund, and are administered by HelpHOPELive for injury-related expenses only. Please consider making a contribution by clicking the DONATE NOW button.

Thank you in advance for all of your love and support – together we will make a difference.

Rebecca