Reid Mukai

“I NEED YOUR SUPPORT!” On Friday April 5, 2024, I headed to work by bicycle as I usually did in good weather. About two weeks later, I woke up in the ICU at Harborview Hospital and realized I couldn’t breathe on my own, move my limbs, or speak. It was explained that I had suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury due to a crash on my commute that morning. I had been saved by medics who were immediately on the scene, intubated me, and took me directly to the ER. I had been through a 5-hour neck and back surgery to prevent further damage and protect life sustaining respiratory and circulatory functions. I also found out that a few days after the surgery, my heart stopped, a “code blue” was called, and skilled medical staff brought me back with CPR and other interventions. Though I was in much physical and emotional pain, I was grateful for a second chance at life. After several weeks, with the support of friends and family and the staff at Harborview, my health stabilized, and I was moved to the Trauma Rehabilitation Unit a few days before my 50th birthday. I eventually was able to breathe on my own and started speaking and eating again. I have a C4 incomplete spinal cord injury and am mobile with the use of a power wheelchair that I control with head buttons since I cannot use my hands. I was discharged from Harborview on June 18th, and still need the help of medical professionals and caregivers to manage pain, prevent health complications related to spinal cord injury, and continue my rehabilitation and recovery.

We are paying out of pocket for the medical supplies and equipment, medicine, caregiving, therapies and adaptive technology that insurance doesn’t cover. These items sustain my health, allow for some independence, and enhance my quality of life. For example, the commode/bath chair that allows “tilt backs” and meets my needs is $5700.Though uplifted by the love and support from friends and family, due to the serious nature of my injury, Danielle and I have no choice but to continue to ask for financial help through the wider social networks we hope to reach. Your gift will greatly improve my day-to-day quality of life, ability to continue to enjoy some of my favorite pre-injury activities, and ability to make meaningful contributions to the world. Our family and friends have already raised money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund in my honor (Reid Mukai) a wheelchair van needed to get to numerous medical appointments, and continue to assist with purchases of other uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury. We chose to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button. And please share my page on your social media platforms, every donation helps. For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.Thank you for your support!