Thomas Berg

Help Thomas regain independence!

Thomas Berg, age 34, sustained a severe cervical spinal cord injury resulting in total paralysis. He fractured C3, C4, C5, & T2 vertebrae and diagnosed as “quadriplegic”. He can only move his arms upward but no use of legs, hands, fingers, or wrists both sides. He has no capacity to sit up without any core strength. Thomas has not either eaten or been able to drink liquids from mouth or been able to speak for over a month in Surgical Intensive Care Unit, San Diego since 03/11/2023. He has a swallowing disorder (dysphagia) that could have food or liquid flow into his lungs. He lost over 30-pounds in 5-weeks. Intubation for 20 days occurred and now has a tracheotomy and vent into his lower neck to breathe. Thomas was evacuated via Lear Jet medevac from La Paz, Baja Mexico where the freak accident on a hammock occurred. He did not incur a brain injury and fully aware.

Thomas underwent a 10-hour surgery to stabilize his spine from upper neck to mid spine, an 9-level vertebral fusion. Since then, he has undergone several other procedures and battled pneumonia, now on a ventilator. One cannot talk with a ventilator so one suffers in frustrated silence. Once able to breathe without oxygen support that has been obtained, the goal is a return by specialty flight back to Seattle’s University of Washington Spinal Cord in-patient rehabilitation.

Unfortunately, his health insurance was basic and the cost of care is enormous. Christopher Reeve Foundation lists $184,000 first year costs and 2.5 million lifetime costs for a 50-year-old 4.7 million for a 20-year-old.

The expected long-term needs include wheelchairs, wheelchair van for transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, modifications to bathrooms, and other parts of the home. Health plans do not cover these items. The first 90-days is considered the most important to avoid infections, skin breakdowns, and general body stabilization. Time is of the essence.

Together, we can do so much to improve Thomas’ prognosis. Thomas is extremely motivated to begin his long rehabilitation journey. Your financial support will not go unnoticed. We are grateful for your assistance and kindly ask that you share this with your key contacts or social networks and religious organizations.

We have engaged “HelpHopeLive.org” which is a 501 © (3) non-profit Charitable organization. The distribute all funds to providers directly. Contributions have no personal gain to others than to Thomas direct needs. HelpHopeLive.org distributes payments as a third party. Based on your financial profile, the funding as a charitable deduction can allow IRS deductions. Your tax professional should be contacted for advice for your unique situation.

Family and friends of Thomas Berg are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

Thomas has chosen 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.

For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!