Casey Ellin Fundraiser

On June 1st, 2013, when Casey was only 26 years old, he had a life-changing accident at Jones Beach that forever changed his life. After diving into the ocean, he fractured his C4 – C6 vertebrae, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.

Face down in the water and unable to move, Casey was rescued from the ocean by Emergency Medical Technicians and air-lifted to Nassau University Medical Center. The distance Casey traveled for his very first helicopter ride was a half marathon (13.1 miles).

Casey had two lifesaving surgeries: spinal fusion C4 – C5 and a femoral graft. He spent months in the hospital, surviving 45 days in the ICU on life support while also battling multiple life-threatening conditions.

Casey was then discharged to Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation in New Jersey, where he had to re-learn to breathe and talk on his own. Casey spent 13 weeks at Kessler fighting to better himself and gain maximal functional independence.

Seven years later, I started working with Casey as his personal care worker in July of 2020. To mitigate his many difficulties, I helped him with transferring, stretching, meal preparation, bowel and bladder routine, and medication administration. Casey is incredibly patient and motivated, and I am honored he chose me to be his personal care worker.

Working with Casey Ellin changed my life for the better and, to this day, has been the most rewarding job ever. Casey has taught me the importance of self-love and positivity. Working with Casey made me realize that not all challenges can be overcome but can be accepted and endured. It reminded me of the unforgiving nature of consequences and reinvigorated my respect for the simple things we take for granted, like preparing our own meals.

My passion for physical therapy stems from being influenced by people like Casey Ellin.

Casey currently lives in his dad’s rented home; therefore, he cannot make the house handicap accessible. As a result, for the last 9 years, Casey has been eating meals in his wheelchair with a Velcro table, performing his bowel routine in his bedroom rather than the bathroom, and having difficulty navigating his home due to the small hallways and doors.

My goal is to raise $500,000 to help Casey find an apartment/house for himself and increase his independence.

Thank you.

Love Always,

Rachel

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER

It has been 9 years since the accident that forever changed Casey’s life. This fall, Casey and his long-time friend, Kevin Thompson, are going to “RUN AND ROLL” the exact distance Casey traveled on June 1st, 2013. Kevin will be pushing Casey the entire 13.1 miles.

Kevin and Casey met 17 years ago at St. John’s University; together, they were orientation leaders, ran numerous activities together, and volunteered on community service day and during recreational sporting activities. Most importantly, they served as role models on campus to incoming first-year students.

Instagram: Brave.Run

Date: September 18th, 2022

Time: 10:00am

In-Person Location: Zach's Bay, Jones Beach (2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh NY 11793)

Parking: Jones Beach Field 6 Lot E

Virtual Location: Wherever you are!

Route: The run will take place from Jones Beach to Cedar Creek Park and back. The run will be on the bike/running path of the Wantagh parkway.

Upon return at Jones Beach, we will have a celebratory BBQ picnic at the Zach’s Bay Area of Jones (by the concert arena).

This race is open to anyone and everyone of all abilities. So come walk, run, roll, or cheer on Casey and Kevin.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RUN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT!

For those who don't know, the race will occur during SPINAL CORD INJURY AWARENESS MONTH. A portion of the money raised will be donated to an incredibly special non-profit that changed Casey’s life, Empower SCI. The remainder of the funds raised will go toward helping Casey find an apartment to live in independently.