Timothy Kirsch

Looking to get back on the road to an enjoyable mobile life with purpose again.

On September 15, 2015 Tim’s life changed drastically after having a Spinal Stroke during 2 day surgery to fix flat back syndrome. The spinal stroke happened at T5 which caused Tim to become a paraplegic from his waist down.
This was a life changing event for Tim that has impacted his quality of life and resulted in years of hospitalizations, treatments and an excess of appointments.

As a very outgoing and active person prior to the surgery, he struggled with the loss of his new limitations of being in a wheelchair for any mobility. A year after the stoke he was able to finally get into a handicapped accessible van for him to create a “new normal” for himself and his family. With his modified van, he was able to support his wife who works full-time by taking care of grocery shopping and needed errands, spend time with his friends and family, and have the independence to manage his own schedule and activities. His spirit and focus has been resilient and focused on living his best life in spite of the challenges.

Tim has been a board member of the SC Spinal Cord Injury Association. He has been a mentor for individuals that are new to needing wheelchairs for mobility, and completed several trainings to support individuals in the local area. Additionally, he volunteers for research studies to improve the lives of others that have mobility barriers. However, November of 2023 his handicapped accessible van broke down and after waiting 2 months for the van to get repaired . he found out that the van was getting totaled out due to the safety concerns. Having limited income because of his permanent disability, he is not able to replace the van due to the costs of the vehicle and modification kit required.

Since November, he has only left his home a handful of times to visit his daughter. He has had to cancel and/or reschedule important appointments that addresses his physical mobility through telehealth. He has had ongoing counseling to address the concerns resulting from his disability. He was scheduling sessions every 4-6 weeks because he was maintaining balanced mental health and since January, has requested bi-monthly sessions because he has had an increase in his depression, anxiety and frustration. Tim is home bound and unable to keep his appointments, keep his routines or travel with his wife and family. Although, he has included for hire transportation services listed as a resource, those resources more often than not are not available when needed or are canceled by the transport company within 24 hours of the scheduled trip. Finally, Tim cannot use air travel unless he has an escort. In January, he lost his mother to cancer. The inability to travel meant he missed going to see her before she died. He has to say his last words to her through Zoom.

Please support Tim in regaining his independence so he can take care of himself, his wife and family. He is a person who will appreciate the support and pay it forward through his advocacy and mentorship for other individuals struggling with mobility barriers.

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

Timothy 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!