Ava Wagner - Spinal Cord Injury

My beautiful 18 yod niece Ava Wagner, who was embarking on her young life, was involved in a tragic Razor/ATV dune accident while vacationing for Spring Break in Pismo Beach, California, for a family reunion this past week. Thankfully, she was with her family when the accident happened, and emergency response was immediate. Ava knew immediately she could not feel her legs. She was airlifted to Marian Regional Medical Center in Santa Maria, California.

 

Based upon the initial x -rays and scans, she was diagnosed with a wedge spinal cord fracture at the T/ 5-6 level. As a result, she underwent emergency neuro-spine surgery on Monday, March 21st, 2022. The doctors stabilized her spine; however, the damage to the spinal cord was severe and completely fractured, and she has what is called a Complete Spinal Cord Injury. The doctors have informed us that it is unlikely that Ava will ever walk again. Of course, all of us who love her remain hopeful that Ava will regain her mobility.

 

After being discharged from the hospital, her surgeons both agree that Ava needs to stay at least a month in California at the Rehabilitation Center at Santa Clara, which is highly regarded for treating Ava's type of spinal cord injury. Her parents, Gina and Mark, will need to stay to provide her the support she needs while there. There she will learn how to navigate this next chapter in her life.

 

The expenses associated with this life-altering transition are substantial. In addition to travel expenses for the family during her rehab in California, Ava will require significant medical and rehabilitation treatment once they get home. They will also need to make her home ADA compliant, which includes a bathroom remodel and installation of a lift/elevator for their home. Of course, at this time we are unable to determine the extent of expenses associated with this transition and all that it will require, other than we know it will be significant.

 

Anything that you feel comfortable contributing to help the family would be a blessing.