The Will to Persevere
On December 13, 2016, while vacationing in Mexico, I was involved in an accident which caused a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) that left me in a coma for a week and unable to breathe on my own. I was paralyzed below the neck. As an avid kiteboarder, hiker, snowboarder, and loving husband, son and brother the news was devastating.
Since that fateful day, going from intensive care unit to acute and sub-acute rehabilitation centers, I have undergone multiple surgeries, endured tremendous pain and ordeals, suffered discouraging setbacks, but also made remarkable progress in my recovery.
Through it all, I have never wavered in my resolve to get better and to regain the use of my body. My condition would break the toughest of spirits, but it didn't break mine. My courage, positive attitude, optimistic outlook on life, and indomitable spirit fuel my burning desire to one day walk, shred the waves, and track the slopes again. My drive and unbreakable spirit are mindblowing, contagious, and powerfully inspiring. Thanks to my steely determination, tremendously hard and painful work, including PT and OT, and the support of my family and extensive circle of friends, and against all odds, I have made astonishing progress in regaining some motion.
But the road to recovery is a long and arduous one that will require not only continued medication and evolving therapy but also an adapted living environment, dedicated and customized equipment, and daily personal care assistance. All of these needs are tremendously costly and many of them won't be covered by my health insurance.
