Need a new Arm
Donation protected
6 and a half years ago, I was in an accident that would forever change my life. My driver was drunk because he had been drinking more than I knew about, and I was unable to drive because I was intoxicated.
At 730 at night on December 13th 2008 was the moment nothing in my life would ever be the same. On our way home from a poker tournament in Venice, my driver struck a 2 ton truck with an extended flatbed on the back as it was broke down on the side of the road with no lights, no flares, and no reflectors. I was asleep in the front passenger seat when it happened. My driver had swerved off the road and when he cut back onto the road, we clipped the corner of the flatbed at 67 miles per hour. It sliced into the dodge grand caravan we were in like a can opener ripping and tearing through the metal and glass and then my right arm with it. It was completely severed site on scene. My paramedic report states that I was responsive and I complained of pain in my right arm. I lost over half of the blood in my body, and I died sometime in the course of the night.
My arm was irreparable and my amazing orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Follweiler was upset that he couldn't save it and that he had to take my arm the rest of the way at my shoulder. I was right handed.
People really take for granted all the things they do with two hands...I couldn't (still can't ) pull my hair back anymore, braid my hair, tie my shoes, cut my own steak, eat crab legs, and I even had problems feeding myself with my left hand. All you have to do just to experience life like mine is shove your dominant hand in your pocket and do everything you have to do for a day or even an hour or two with your off hand...that's what I endure every day.
After my accident, I was blessed to have my family. My sister had the means to care for me just after I got out of the hospital and between my sister and my parents, they paid my bills. I received no help from the government and my unemployment was cut off because I was unable to work. And worse yet, when I applied for medicaid and disability, i was told that I was not disabled 3 times and because I wasn't disabled, I did not qualify for medical assistance. I had 9 broken ribs, lost my right arm, among other injuries, and I had no financial assistance. Life didn't stop happening around me and my bills still accumulated. I couldn't ask my family to continue covering my bills so in April of 2009 I went back to work and school because I didn't have choice.
Most people are absolutely amazed by my attitude. I don't let having a handicap of only having one arm hold me back or bring me down. I have a good sense of humor about it all. My favorite joke to tell is that "my last hospital visit cost me an arm and a leg but they gave me a half off discount." I don't like to ask for help although most people gladly lend me a hand, so to speak. I'm still here, and I am here for a reason. I cannot change the past, but with other people's help, it's time to try to change the path of my future.
I have recently been given the opportunity to deal No Limit Texas Holdem with my poker league that I have been playing in and promoting for two years, No Limit Entertainment. I use a card shuffler to shuffle my cards right now, but how great would it be for me to be able to shuffle myself and not need a shuffler any more?
A fully functioning myoelectric arm with 5 working and dexterous fingers is in the upward vicinity of $250,000 plus upkeep, maintenance, and medical care to be fitted with it. Money for such a prosthesis is not within my grasp by myself ...But I believe with people's help and charity, I might be able to get fitted for one some day and get back part of my life. I will get a little bit of normalcy back in my life. So I implore you to please donate what you can. Anything helps, and it all adds up. I have searched for clinical trials and I think my best option is to ask for your help. I don't ask for help often but now I have a cause that's worth asking for, and it's something I really want. I didn't realize how much until I was denied for testing one in a clinical trial. Thank you in advance for your generosity and love.
At 730 at night on December 13th 2008 was the moment nothing in my life would ever be the same. On our way home from a poker tournament in Venice, my driver struck a 2 ton truck with an extended flatbed on the back as it was broke down on the side of the road with no lights, no flares, and no reflectors. I was asleep in the front passenger seat when it happened. My driver had swerved off the road and when he cut back onto the road, we clipped the corner of the flatbed at 67 miles per hour. It sliced into the dodge grand caravan we were in like a can opener ripping and tearing through the metal and glass and then my right arm with it. It was completely severed site on scene. My paramedic report states that I was responsive and I complained of pain in my right arm. I lost over half of the blood in my body, and I died sometime in the course of the night.
My arm was irreparable and my amazing orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Andrew Follweiler was upset that he couldn't save it and that he had to take my arm the rest of the way at my shoulder. I was right handed.
People really take for granted all the things they do with two hands...I couldn't (still can't ) pull my hair back anymore, braid my hair, tie my shoes, cut my own steak, eat crab legs, and I even had problems feeding myself with my left hand. All you have to do just to experience life like mine is shove your dominant hand in your pocket and do everything you have to do for a day or even an hour or two with your off hand...that's what I endure every day.
After my accident, I was blessed to have my family. My sister had the means to care for me just after I got out of the hospital and between my sister and my parents, they paid my bills. I received no help from the government and my unemployment was cut off because I was unable to work. And worse yet, when I applied for medicaid and disability, i was told that I was not disabled 3 times and because I wasn't disabled, I did not qualify for medical assistance. I had 9 broken ribs, lost my right arm, among other injuries, and I had no financial assistance. Life didn't stop happening around me and my bills still accumulated. I couldn't ask my family to continue covering my bills so in April of 2009 I went back to work and school because I didn't have choice.
Most people are absolutely amazed by my attitude. I don't let having a handicap of only having one arm hold me back or bring me down. I have a good sense of humor about it all. My favorite joke to tell is that "my last hospital visit cost me an arm and a leg but they gave me a half off discount." I don't like to ask for help although most people gladly lend me a hand, so to speak. I'm still here, and I am here for a reason. I cannot change the past, but with other people's help, it's time to try to change the path of my future.
I have recently been given the opportunity to deal No Limit Texas Holdem with my poker league that I have been playing in and promoting for two years, No Limit Entertainment. I use a card shuffler to shuffle my cards right now, but how great would it be for me to be able to shuffle myself and not need a shuffler any more?
A fully functioning myoelectric arm with 5 working and dexterous fingers is in the upward vicinity of $250,000 plus upkeep, maintenance, and medical care to be fitted with it. Money for such a prosthesis is not within my grasp by myself ...But I believe with people's help and charity, I might be able to get fitted for one some day and get back part of my life. I will get a little bit of normalcy back in my life. So I implore you to please donate what you can. Anything helps, and it all adds up. I have searched for clinical trials and I think my best option is to ask for your help. I don't ask for help often but now I have a cause that's worth asking for, and it's something I really want. I didn't realize how much until I was denied for testing one in a clinical trial. Thank you in advance for your generosity and love.
Organizer
Heather Schneck
Organizer
Cape Coral, FL