2 months ago, our world turned upside down when my dad Dale experienced a freak fall in his home that resulted in a devastating spinal cord injury — a complete C4 injury, leaving him a quadriplegic.
Following 2 weeks in the ICU, he has been receiving care as an inpatient at a spinal cord rehabilitation hospital. While we are incredibly grateful for the progress he’s made, we were just informed that he will be discharged in less than a month — and we are now facing an overwhelming new reality.
Our plan for now is for him to move in with Jay and I, but our home is not equipped for the level of care he will require. He will need extensive, long-term rehab, lifelong medical equipment, and around-the-clock support. Some of the immediate needs include:
• A hospital bed and specialized mattress
• A Hoyer lift
• A wheelchair-accessible van
• Home accessibility modifications (bathroom accessibility, ramps, entryways, etc.)
• Ongoing therapies and medical care (not fully covered by insurance)
We’re heartbroken. There’s no other way to say it. Watching someone you love go through something like this changes you forever. (It’s hard to put into words the emotional and financial weight we’re carrying as a family right now.)
For those who know my dad, you know this is the last thing he would ever want—to ask for help. He’s always been the one who showed up for others, gave without hesitation, and never wanted attention for it. Even recently, he was still working, staying busy, and doing everything himself—from yard work to home projects—never one to sit still. But now, after such a life-altering injury, he needs us. And it’s our turn to show up for him.
If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, we are so incredibly grateful. Please SHARE this and most importantly — keep him in your prayers. We are hoping and praying for healing, strength, and a miracle.
And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for loving Dale and walking with us during this unimaginable time.
With love and gratitude,
Rachael & Family
