Lee Joshua Lopez

My name is Lee Lopez. I’m 20 years old, a U.S. Army veteran and former diesel mechanic from Twin Falls, Idaho.

On February 2, 2025, a car crash took everything I had built. I suffered a spinal cord injury and woke up in a world I didn’t recognize.

Before the crash, I was in the military— working with my hands, building my future, serving alongside my brothers in the reserves. I was 18, independent, working as a diesel mechanic, and just getting started.

After the crash, I’m in a wheelchair. I deal with paralysis and severe spasticity every day. I had to move back in with my parents. At 20 years old, it’s hard not to feel like you lost your life before it really began.

I haven’t stopped fighting.

I go to St. Luke’s Rehab in Twin Falls for wheelchair training and physical therapy. Through the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse, I got to ride a hand-control trike for the first time — and it changed something in me. I want one of my own.

I show up to therapy. I keep pushing. I’m not asking for a handout — I’m asking for a hand up.

What I need to move forward

Every dollar goes toward three specific things:

• Accessible off-road truck — $50,500 (to get to appointments, return to work, and have my independence back. The goal is an off-road truck to go backcountry explore which has always been a dream)

• Adaptive Mountain bike — $15,500 (like the one I tried at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse — for active rehabilitation and rebuilding strength. I pray to do this professionally)

• Independent living setup — $3,000 (first month deposit, ramp modifications, and adaptive equipment so I can live on my own again—more than anything, a standing frame to do at-home physical therapy)

Total goal: ~$69,000

Why it matters

The military couldn’t cover much — I hadn’t been in long enough to qualify for full support. I’m not complaining about that. I’m just being honest about where I stand.

This campaign is my way of taking ownership of my recovery. I believe I can still build a life I’m proud of. I just need the tools to do it.

If you can give, share, or just say a prayer — it means everything.

I’m still here. I’m still fighting.

— Lee Lopez, U.S. Army, Twin Falls, Idaho