Quadriplegic to Self-Sufficient-Please Help

Dear Friends and Family,

Please, I am asking for your help! I am starting a GoFundMe for my very deserving, incredibly strong sister, Natalie Leone. Almost two years ago Natalie's doctor's discovered herniated discs due to a distortion in her neck that caused her spinal cord to become compressed and flattened, which resulted in a loss of spinal fluid. Due to the seriousness of this she had surgery on December 31, 2020 to remove discs C3-L1, (Yes, her whole neck!). Her surgery went well and was successful in repairing her spinal cord and neck. However, when Natalie awoke from surgery they learned that her body had overcompensated causing extreme swelling on the nerves and she was now a quadriplegic! Devastatingly, she couldn't move, could barely speak and even had trouble swallowing liquids.

Now let me tell you how tough my sister is! She was admitted into The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research at Memorial Hermann (TIRR) to begin extensive therapy and rehabilitation. She spent two months at TIRR in their inpatient program, followed by a year of outpatient work. As a result of her hard work, she has regained the ability to use both arms and hands as well as both legs, but still has some permanent nerve damage. She is almost completely self-sufficient again. She has amazed me with her strength and determination.

This is why I have set up this GoFund Me for my sister. Natalie currently finds herself in a position to face her challenges completely on her own. She has received clearance from her medical team to pursue reacquiring her driver’s license. This would allow her to become completely self-sufficient which is imperative in her current situation. To do that she must attend a special course in which she must learn to drive using adaptive equipment. Once it is determined what equipment she needs she will have to purchase it and install it on her vehicle.

Natalie is currently studying to become a licensed claims adjuster. This would allow her to focus on a career that will provide her with financial independence. As with any career, Natalie will need to be able to drive so she must regain her license and have her car equipped.

As you can imagine, all of this comes with a significant amount of expense. The driving course that she needs to take, the purchase of the adaptive equipment and the installation of the equipment. On top of these expenses, she is still saddled with over $10,000 in medical bills that she continues to pay off on her own.

Please consider giving to the GoFundMe that I have set up to benefit her. She has worked so incredibly hard to get where she is today, she is almost to the finish line. Now more than ever, she needs her independence back. As always, prayers are needed and welcomed for Natalie and her boys. I truly appreciate and love each and all of you.

God Bless,

Suzanne Hamilton