Support Hyrum Stephens

Hyrum is now at the spinal rehab facility at the University of Utah. Transporting him was quite an ordeal. Insurance would not approve the medical ambulance because it was so costly, and it was not an emergency situation. The next best alternative was a commercial flight, accompanied by a medical professional to help move him and to monitor his vitals and administer his medication. Hyrum’s transport was able to happen because of the support given by so many through GoFundMe. Hyrum will be in the inpatient rehabilitation center for about 2 months or so and then will remain in Salt Lake for outpatient rehab for up to 4 more months.

The physical therapist here says he is doing really well with his arm strength, and with blood pressure. Oftentimes blood pressure drops quickly with spinal cord patients when they sit up, but Hyrum has been handling it well. We are impressed by the level of professionalism, the organization with his daily schedule and rehab, and the attentiveness of his medical staff here.

The past few weeks have been difficult but amidst the hard times, there have been many miracles, blessings and an outpouring of love and kindness from so many friends and strangers.

As you can imagine, moving forward, there are many medical expenses including insurance deductibles for rehab care, transportation, and assistive technology that is not covered by insurance. The family is endlessly grateful for every prayer and gesture of support.

On January 9, 2023 Hyrum dove into the ocean near Hukilau beach in Hawaii and hit his forehead on a rock or log or something hard in the water. When he hit, he broke his C7 vertebrae and immediately was paralyzed from the chest down, and had reduced function in his arms and hands. He flailed around in the water for a bit trying to get enough breath so he wouldn't drown. Miraculously, he was able to get onto his back so he could float until a friend noticed what was going on and drug him safely to shore.

He ended up in Queens hospital where he had emergency spine surgery early the next morning. Rods were placed in his neck to stabilize the break in his vertebrae, but currently, Hyrum is not able to move his legs independently and has limited function in his upper body. We know he has a long road ahead of him with recovery from the surgery and then months of rehab.

The purpose of this funding effort is to assist Hyrum and his family with the costs of medical care and physical rehabilitation. Donations made will provide rehabilitative therapy that will maximize Hyrum's physical abilities and help him gain the most independence possible. Whatever you can do to help us reach our goal is appreciated beyond measure.

We don't know what the long-term prognosis looks like for him, but we know it is filled with opportunity, hope, and healing. He and we know that his life is in Heavenly Father's hands, and that good things are ahead, though it will be a difficult path for a while. He's a strong person and we know he has what it takes to pull through this.