Susan Welch

Suz Welch is unable to walk and relies on her wheelchair 24/7 for mobility. As a result of severe arthritis and then a sudden fall in 2013, Suz’s spinal cord is now crushed. She has undergone several spinal cord surgeries, and a spinal fusion in an attempt to correct her paralysis. By 2014, Suz was diagnosed with a crushed spinal cord which left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite her injuries, Suz continues to undergo therapies and rehabilitation in an attempt to regain some mobility. She refuses to give up and more than ever wants to gain some level of independence, and continue to try and improve and overcome her condition.

Suz’s out of pocket medical expenses related to her condition are mounting. Copays and deductibles, medical equipment, doctor’s appointments, travel fees, health insurance premiums, and caregiver fees, continue to rise. Suz also needs extensive rehabilitation which is not always covered by her health insurance. Part of her rehabilitation has included using an exercise bike known as the FES RT300 rehabilitation system. This type of cycling allows Suz to maintain an ongoing level of moderate activity, helps improve her circulation, and even stimulates her leg muscles to contract more strongly during exercises. Since using the bike, Suz feels her condition has improved in preventing muscle atrophy, calming muscle spasms, and improving circulation. Suz has been using the FES RT300 machine at Younkers Rehab, and would like to continue the therapy in the convenience of her home.

Traveling back and forth to Younkers is over a two hour round trip, and Suz cannot always get to her appointments. She must rely on others to drive her, and the hours of the therapy center are very limited. The cost of Suz’s injury and to fund her therapy with the purchase of a therapy bike, are much more than she can handle on her own. Suz is hoping to raise money to help with her out-of-pocket expenses related to her injury, and to purchase a therapy bike, since it is not covered by her health insurance.

Susan 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 yellow Donate Now button. For more information, please contact HelpHOPELive at 800.642.8399.

Thank you ahead of time for your thoughts, prayers and generosity. Any donation amount, no matter how big or how small, is one step closer to a better life and independence for Suz.

Gratefully,

Suz’s loving family and friend