Support Bill's Needs From a Spinal Cord Injury
On September 6, 2013 Bill's life was forever changed after a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic. After 9 months of several hospitals, surgeries and complications Bill finally came home. However home does not provide the necessary medical needs and equipment that he requires in his daily life.
Bill was standing on an extension ladder doing a minor repair to the roof of his garage. Bill is unsure why but the ladder started to give way. As he fell his feet got caught on the ladder where he was suspended for just a moment before falling on his head. Bill believes he was unconscious for just a bit. As he lay there he could not move but felt blood flowing around his head. He thought that something had fallen on top of him. This was not the case.
The fall happened at approximately 8 am. When his wife Robin returned home from work at 5:40 pm she found Bill laying face down on the driveway surrounded by a large puddle of blood. He had been laying there awake and alert for approximately 9 1/2 hours in the sun with warm temperatures in the 80's. His cellphone was nearby but he was unable to move to call for help. His home is set back in a wooded area so his screams for help went unheard.
Bill was immediately taken to Condell Hospital where it was determined that he was severely dehydrated, had 2 compound fractured toes, a broken sternum that was crushed in the center and was putting pressure on his heart, a very large hole in his head that was bleeding profusely, a severed artery in his neck, fractured C3, T5 and crushed C4. The C4 is the main cause of his paralysis. Due to his severe injuries he was then air lifted to University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital where he could receive more specialized care. He received several staples and stitches in his head. He had surgery on his back, neck and sternum. Bill had various complications, some severe, throughout his recovery including a heart attack. He needed a tracheotomy to assist with breathing.
Once he became stable he was transferred to Hinsdale Hospital. Because he was having breathing issues he was transferred to RML Hospital where they specialize in respiratory issues. He spent many months at RML. In the spring Bill was finally ready to prepare himself to return home. He was then admitted to Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital. On June 6, 2014 - 9 months after the accident - he returned home.
Bill is able to move his neck and has some feeling in his upper chest and shoulder area - however he is completely immobilized from the neck down. He spends a few hours a day in his wheelchair but must be careful of bedsores. He spends most of his time in his bed. He needs specialized medical equipment for his daily use and a specialized van for transportation to go to medical appointments. Also there is the extreme costs for repairs and maintenance to his home.
The advancements in technology for quadriplegics is amazing, however those advancements come with a high cost to make daily life easier and enjoyable.
Bill as always been a very hands on and active person. He loves the outdoors and was always able to do his own home repairs and maintenance. He was always willing to help others with his skills yet never asking for help for himself.
Bill is the most courageous, brave and strongest person I have ever known. His strength and determination throughout this traumatic event is something to be admired. He has never given up and is determined to make the most of what he is capable of doing. However he needs help for this to happen. His wife Robin has since lost her job due to her care for Billy and being there for him each and every day the last year. She truly is his angel.
We are asking that you please consider helping out as his needs will be for years to come. Bill would truly appreciate all your prayers and support.
- See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-bill-s-needs-from-a-spinal-cord-injury/237293#sthash.gR6RlJH4.dpuf