Support Sean's Journey to Recovery

***UPDATE BELOW***

Sean’s Story

On June 17th my loving husband Sean Grabowski had a terrible and life altering accident while working that has left him currently paralyzed. He was quickly rushed to the hospital where we found out that he fractured his T12 vertebrae while also injuring his spinal cord. The doctors quickly rushed him into surgery where he had a spinal fusion from his T9-L3. As a result of his injury he will need extensive rehab both in the hospital, in a rehab facility, and at home that will take many months.

Luckily we were able to get Sean a spot at Shirley Ryan Rehabilition Center in Chicago in order to give him the best chance possible to walk again.

Our journey will continue once he is released from Shirley Ryan where he will continue to have intensive outpatient rehabilitation several times a week for many months to come.

Any one who has ever met Sean knows how dedicated he is to his family and work, but for the foreseeable future he will be unable to continue work as a carpenter and help provide for our family. This is an extremely difficult thing for Sean to process, especially since we all know how meticulous and hardworking he is and would do anything to provide for his family. As much as I am able to support our family on my teacher’s salary I will fall short of covering the many impending and unforeseen costs that lie ahead. I need to be with Sean whether in Chicago or adapting to life at home when he is released in order to best help him recover. What we need is time to rest and heal without having to worry about income.

How you Can Help

We are beyond thankful that Sean is still here with us and on this way to the road of recovery. This is where we need your help. Please help us to carry the weight of this situation not only for us, but Brody our amazing 16 year old son.

We are slowly trying to navigate through current and future medical bills, transportation and home modifications to help Sean be as independent possible.Your love, support, positivity and hope mean more to us than you all will ever know. Please hold onto the ones you love a little tighter and give them an extra hug because life is too precious and can change in an instant. We thank you for any support you can give and will keep you updated with Sean’s Journey to Recovery.

***UPDATE 6/27***

Sean is really thriving here at Shirley Ryan with all of his PT and OT. All of the staff are really impressed with how much progress he has already made, especially with the significant spinal fusion he had. It is a long road to recovery that will take many months if not years. The extent of Sean’s recovery is still very uncertain and he still may never walk again, but he is ready to take on the challenges both in the near and distant future.

Many things that we all take for granted such as accessibility to a bathroom sink, dressing yourself, and getting in and out of bed are all tiresome tasks for Sean. We are already in the midst of planning for Sean’s return home (tentatively July 12) and the need to remodel spaces to help with his care and independence. We are also beginning to navigate his many medical needs and the need for a more accessible vechile to transport him to and from his many medical appointments and therapy.

We appreciate all the love and support that has been sent our way and cannot believe the ongoing monetary donations from family and friends near and far. Please continue to share Sean’s story and help our family heal.