Scott's Home and Car Modifications
Donation protected
Scott's story begins in late September when he fell at home and sustained a severe spinal cord injury. On the day of the fall he was immediately air lifted to Jersey Shore trauma center where he underwent an emergency three hour surgery to relieve the compression on his spine. The outcome led to disectomies and fusion of the C4-C5 and C5-C6 vertebrae. The damage to his cervical spine resulted in Scott being classified as quadriplegic.
Recovery for Scott will be a very long process where he will need to learn how to walk again and do many of the basic things that we sometimes take for granted. Scott's recovery will include relearning things like how to dress himself, how to use his cell phone, how to stand and walk again, as well as, many other motor skills that have been impacted by the injury to his spine.
Scott's motivation to walk again, his desire to be independent and his unwavering confidence in himself and his ability to be fully mobile again is what is making him a "rockstar" patient at his rehab facility. His therapists are amazed at his determination and the amount of progress he has made in such a short time. He has slowly begun to regain some of his strength and coordination, especially in his arms and hands. Scott has even stood up once or twice with assistance and can now feed himself!
In order for Scott to be able to transition home, both his house and car will require modifications. In a few short weeks Scott will be discharged, but will continue his outpatient therapies at Kessler in West Orange, a 90 minute drive from home. This will require a vehicle to fit his motorized wheelchair along with the associated adaptive devices. He will also need ramps to get in and out of the house easily. The house itself must be modified to include wider hallways and doorways, appliances that will be user friendly for an individual in a wheelchair, a bathroom that can accommodate Scott's needs and that he will be able to access independently. In addition to the cost of these modifications there are also outstanding medical bills, lost wages due to time off from work, as well as, the hope that when Joanne returns to her position, they will be able to acquire a service dog as a safety companion for Scott while she is away.
Scott is encouraged that in time he will be sharing his sunrise photographs from the beach and standing on the sidelines of his grandkids soccer games capturing every moment with his beloved camera. Please consider donating to Scott's transition home to ease his road to wellness and help promote his recovery so he can live his best life.
Recovery for Scott will be a very long process where he will need to learn how to walk again and do many of the basic things that we sometimes take for granted. Scott's recovery will include relearning things like how to dress himself, how to use his cell phone, how to stand and walk again, as well as, many other motor skills that have been impacted by the injury to his spine.
Scott's motivation to walk again, his desire to be independent and his unwavering confidence in himself and his ability to be fully mobile again is what is making him a "rockstar" patient at his rehab facility. His therapists are amazed at his determination and the amount of progress he has made in such a short time. He has slowly begun to regain some of his strength and coordination, especially in his arms and hands. Scott has even stood up once or twice with assistance and can now feed himself!
In order for Scott to be able to transition home, both his house and car will require modifications. In a few short weeks Scott will be discharged, but will continue his outpatient therapies at Kessler in West Orange, a 90 minute drive from home. This will require a vehicle to fit his motorized wheelchair along with the associated adaptive devices. He will also need ramps to get in and out of the house easily. The house itself must be modified to include wider hallways and doorways, appliances that will be user friendly for an individual in a wheelchair, a bathroom that can accommodate Scott's needs and that he will be able to access independently. In addition to the cost of these modifications there are also outstanding medical bills, lost wages due to time off from work, as well as, the hope that when Joanne returns to her position, they will be able to acquire a service dog as a safety companion for Scott while she is away.
Scott is encouraged that in time he will be sharing his sunrise photographs from the beach and standing on the sidelines of his grandkids soccer games capturing every moment with his beloved camera. Please consider donating to Scott's transition home to ease his road to wellness and help promote his recovery so he can live his best life.
Organizer and beneficiary
Nicole Sullivan
Organizer
Manchester Township, NJ
Scott Rudkin
Beneficiary