Vaughn Stephens

March, 10, 2013:
Dear Friends,

As you probably know, our dear friend, Vaughn Stephens, lived a very active life prior to a tragic accident in August 2012 in Hawaii that left him paralyzed. This has drastically changed his and his family’s life. Through much determination, Vaughn has been able to make considerable progress in recovering movement but he still has a long way to go. Vaughn’s wife, Denise, has been completely devoted to his recovery and has been by his side from the beginning.

Last month, Vaughn started a very specialized rehab treatment program that has done wonders not only for his body but for his spirit. It is a very intense and demanding program but it is exactly what he needs and he is up for the challenge.

Unfortunately, this therapy is not covered by medical insurance and it is very expensive. The family is sacrificing to make it possible for Vaughn to continue this therapy but as you can imagine, with all the other financial pressure created by this tragic accident, it is difficult.

What we don’t want to happen is for Vaughn to opt out of this therapy because of financial pressures. While we can’t take away the pain, frustration, and uncertainty that surround Vaughn and Denise, there is something we can do. Please read on to see how we can all help.

To assist with Vaughn’s uninsured medical expenses and recovery-based therapies, a fundraising campaign in his honor has been established with Help Hope Live, a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant community for over 35 years. In 2000, they expanded their mission to include those who have sustained a catastrophic injury. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, are held by Help Hope Live in the Southwest Catastrophic Injury Fund, and are administered by Help Hope Live for injury-related expenses only. Won’t you please consider helping Vaughn realize his dream of an active life by contributing to his Help Hope Live fundraising campaign? Your donation is greatly appreciated.

To make a credit card contribution select the “Give” button or you can call Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399. To make a donation by check, see instructions on this page.

Jean & Steve Johnson and Cynthia Stucker
510-289-3910