A Help Hope Live Client Case Study with Patrick Hoey
Part of the Mid-Atlantic Catastrophic Injury Fund
OVERVIEW
Patrick Hoey was 20 years old when a dive into a lake left him with quadriplegia. His and his family’s futures were abruptly put on hold as the Penn State junior received medical care and intensive rehabilitation.
THE PROBLEM
Patrick’s medical crisis was a physical, emotional, and financial blow.
The first major financial hurdle his family faced was the cost of home modifications to accommodate a power chair, as well as an accessible van.
Both expenses were key to enabling Patrick’s safe return home after months of inpatient rehab. Insurance wouldn’t cover them.
THE SOLUTION/APPROACH
In Devon, PA—just down the road from Help Hope Live’s headquarters—several Board Members reached out to our executive director to connect directly with Patrick’s family as they had launched a GoFundMe campaign.
They began fundraising with Help Hope Live to unlock a wider range of protections and our unique nonprofit advantage, giving them greater pathways for community support.
From comedy nights to cornhole tournaments, fundraisers through Help Hope Live sold out and gained enough traction to become annual gatherings of hope.
THE OUTCOME
From the very beginning, Patrick exuded “steadfast optimism and contagious hope for the future.” Thanks to fundraising, he was able to return home from rehab with home modifications to accommodate his power chair and a safe, accessible van.
With one-on-one assistance at every turn, the #HopeforHoey campaign in Patrick’s honor raised $160,000 within the first year.
Fundraising also allowed Help Hope Live to assist with the cost of ongoing rehabilitation that allowed him to use a standing frame, a stim bike, and a Lokomat—a “pay-per-use” piece of equipment he would not have been able to try without the community’s help.
Thanks to the impact of rehabilitation, Patrick began opening his hands on command, and his triceps started firing.
As he worked hard in rehabilitation, Patrick began taking online courses to continue his studies, celebrated his 21st birthday, and kept in touch with his college friends through an adaptive PlayStation made possible through fundraising.
In 2025, a year earlier than originally planned, he was able to return to campus to graduate, supported by an accessible apartment and live-in caregiving support.
The Help Hope Live Touch
In addition to providing one-on-one support and customized materials for fundraisers and annual events, Help Hope Live’s unique nonprofit advantage has enabled employee match opportunities and participation in annual charity giving days.
Patrick and his family have attended Help Hope Live events in-person. Ed Hoey has collaborated with Help Hope Live to share his knowledge of life after paralysis and spinal cord injury fundraising.
“Having reliable, wheelchair safe transportation is such a blessing, and we are so grateful that you all have made it happen for us!”
