Steve Botwick

Just weeks after proudly walking his son Zachary down the aisle at his September wedding, Steve’s life changed in a way no one could have imagined.

What began as severe neck pain led to repeated emergency room visits as he searched for answers and relief. Eventually, doctors discovered a serious spinal infection that had compressed and severely damaged his spinal cord.

Despite multiple emergency surgeries to remove the infection and stabilize his spine, including placement of a spinal cage, the damage was irreversible.

Steve is now living with a complete C4 spinal cord injury as a quadriplegic. He has no movement in his hands or legs, and only limited movement in his arms. In an instant, his independence was taken away, and every aspect of daily life for Steve and his family has been permanently changed.

Steve has always been the person his loved ones could count on. He is a loving husband, devoted father, loyal friend, and proud grandfather who regularly helped care for his energetic two-year-old grandson, Jesse. Before his injury, he was active, involved, and always showing up for the people he loves. Now, the man who spent his life caring for others depends on others for even the most basic daily needs.

For the last 8 months, Steve has been in intensive rehabilitation. the first 5 months, in Boston, at Spaulding Rehab Hospital; and, the last 3 months, at On With Life in Ankeny, Iowa. He is fighting every day to regain as much strength and function as possible. His determination and spirit continue to inspire those around him, but the reality is that the road ahead will be long, physically exhausting, and financially overwhelming.

While Steve and his family are fortunate enough to be able to cover many of Steve’s new needs, the lifelong costs of his care will be extensive.

As Steve prepares to return home, he and his wife, Cheryl, are facing a challenging new chapter together. They will be coordinating 24/7 care, managing his ongoing medical needs, arranging in-home nursing support, and trying to ensure he has access to the transportation, equipment, and services he will need for the rest of his life. 

One of the most urgent and immediate needs is a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

With an adapted van, Steve will be able to safely travel to rehabilitation, medical appointments, follow-up surgeries, and simply leave the house. This vehicle will be his lifeline to the outside world, allowing him access to essential care, family connection, and the ability to participate in life beyond the walls of home. The cost of a wheelchair-accessible van is in excess of $70,000. 

In addition, Steve’s care plan will require both immediate and long term costs including:

• Substantial home adaptations

• Specialized medical equipment

• Ongoing physical and occupational therapy

• In-home nursing care

Since this started in October, Steve and his family have been so touched by your offers to help out. Many of you have been asking “what can we do?”

As Steve and his family face this unimaginable new chapter, we are asking friends, family, and community to come together and help lighten the burden.

Every donation — no matter the size — will make a meaningful difference in helping provide Steve with the care, mobility, and support he will need in the months and years ahead.

If you are unable to give, please consider sharing this page to help us reach others. 

Steve has always been there for so many of us. Let’s come together now and support his family during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

P.S. If viewing on a phone, click on each Gallery to see more photos.