Katie Schaefer-Walters Road to Walk

Katie Schaefer-Walters was on her way to the veterinary office with her very ill little dog the morning on Friday, July 15th when she lost control of her truck, rolling the vehicle several times.  The entire cab of her truck was crushed down on top of her and it took paramedics cutting the roof off in order to get her out.  Her neck and back has been severely broken, leading her to endure a seven-hour surgery Friday. Friday evening, she and her family were told the devastating news she'd be paralyzed from neck down.   Through prayers and Katie's will to fight, there has been movement with her arms and tingling in her feet.  There IS hope she will walk again.   Her first words after the surgery were " I'm lucky to be alive by the grace of God, and what I do from here on out, is up to me". 

I grew up across the street from Katie and family.  Our parents still live there.  Katie moved to Manitowoc soon after college and joined their police force where she puts that police badge on to protect and serve people she doesn't even know.  

Katie is one of the most focused, hardworking, determined women I know, but her road ahead is very uncertain.  Currently her family is looking at two of the top spinal cord facilities that can accept such a complex situation which are located in Chicago and Denver.  Everyone is willing to do what it takes to get her there, so their fun-loving, athletic girl has a chance to walk again.  To do simple things like feed and dress herself, take her dogs for a walk, and do things she loved so much like running marathons with her sister Jenny, spend more time in the outdoors hiking, fishing and hunting with her parents and live her amazing life and marriage with her husband Erik.  

I'm asking on behalf of her and her family, to please donate what you can to help Katie walk again.  To help send her to these recommended hospitals.  To share this on your Facebook page telling your story how you know Katie, and how she's impacted your life.  Your prayers are so incredibly needed, and appreciated more than you'll know, but there is huge financial impact this horrific accident will have.  Every dollar will help, and you could be part of the reason she might be able to walk and live life again.  All donations go directly to Katie.