Ryan Gibson

On August 8th 2015, Ryan suffered a traumatic injury to his neck after diving into shallow water at Lake Hartwell. He broke his C7 vertebrae and suffered damaged to C6. He was paralyzed from the chest down and suffered loss of feeling/strength to parts of his hands and arms on impact. Ryan was rushed to the nearest trauma center where they quickly realigned his spine, and within a few short days gave him surgery to reconstruct the damage to his spine. His spinal chord was very badly bruised, and swollen but not severed. Meaning his injury is considered incomplete. Exactly one week after his surgery, he was transported back home to Atlanta to continue his care and begin rehab at the well known and respected rehab facility, The Shepherd Center.

Ryan and I feel blessed to have such a facility right in our backyard and it’s been comforting knowing he is in the best hands. Since Ryan’s injury he has progressed in his abilities very quickly and maintained a positive attitude to the best of his ability. He continues to work hard daily to regain his independence. We have learned through the Shepherd Center that a full life is still possible, just in a different ways and with the right tools. While no promises have been made as to whether Ryan will be able to walk again, we choose to trust in God and remain hopeful that one day he will.

Ryan has already received an amazing outpouring of support and generosity and for that we are so grateful. There are many expenses both foreseeable and unforeseeable associated with Catastrophic Injury that are not covered by insurance. Home modifications, vehicle modifications, therapies, medical supplies, and the list goes on. These expenses are great, and we need help raising funds.

Ryan has chosen to fundraise with HelpHOPELive in part because HelpHOPELive assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for donors. Donors can be sure that funds donated will be used only to pay or reimburse medically-related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Donate Now button.

For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!