Emily Progin, Content Manager
eprogin@helphopelive.org / 800.642.8399
Release: Immediate
COMMUNITY RALLYING TO HELP 31-YEAR-OLD FATHER PARALYZED IN AUGUST
Fundraising Campaign “Will Help CJ Gain His Independence Back”
SOUTH LEBANON, Ohio—On August 16, 31-year-old Casey “CJ” Giles sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury due to a bone infection. Today, CJ and his loving family are adjusting to life with paralysis as his community rallies to find critical medical and related expenses. A fundraising campaign with the trusted national nonprofit Help Hope Live will provide hope at a time of overwhelming need.
CJ is a father of three and a fiancé who sustained a C6 complete spinal cord injury in August due to the bone infection MSSA osteomyelitis. He lost the use of 75 to 80% of his body, including paralysis from the nipple line down and the loss of mobility in his hands.
In November, his family provided an update that rehabilitation was making a significant difference in CJ’s capabilities, including the ability to move a few toes on one of his feet.
His prognosis is unclear, but ongoing medical care and therapy is a critical lifeline to help CJ and his family navigate their new life. Several key expenses on the horizon: a specialized bed and lift chair, an accessible place to live, and a vehicle that can accommodate his wheelchair for safe travel.
“It will help CJ gain his independence back,” explained fiancée Mariah Prows. “He can’t wait to be able to spend time with his children again.”
CJ, Mariah, and their three children—ages 5, 10, and 15—have lived in South Lebanon on and off for their entire lives. Mariah attended Kings High School and CJ worked at a local landscaping company prior to his paralysis. They attend Village Church in South Lebanon.
To help with the major out-of-pocket cost of CJ’s medical care and independence, loved ones have started a fundraising campaign with the trusted nonprofit Help Hope Live. Donations can be made at: https://helphopelive.org/campaign/22774/
Unlike a GoFundMe campaign, donations to Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be managed by the nonprofit to cover verified medical and related expenses. Help Hope Live verifies medical and financial need for every patient.
Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in secure, tax-deductible fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $181 million to pay patient expenses. ###
Written by Emily Progin
