This is not my story to tell, but I am going to tell it anyway...and I think you will see why. It is not about real estate or even my local community. But it is an important story for all of us to hear.
It was a beautiful Summer afternoon in August and a couple of 16 year old friends went down to the James River, Richmond, VA, to swim. One of them, Cole Sydnor, dove in and struck his head on a rock. His good friend noticed that Cole wasn't coming up from his dive, and further, that Cole's body was moving quickly toward the rapids. He jumped in and with the help of another friend, pulled Cole to safety, saving his life.
The ambulance was called and Cole was rushed to the hospital. In the diving accident, he shattered his C5 vertebrae. He spent 11 days at MCV in Richmond, VA before transferring to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA where he is continuing his rehabilitation. He is fully paralyzed from the waist down and working really hard to regain as much use of his arms and hands as is possible without his C5 vertebrae, which was surgically removed.
The journey Cole and his family are undertaking has been at times heart breaking, awe inspiring and amazing. Cole is a strong young mad with fierce determination. He had just gotten his driver's license before the accident. In May, his high school, Atlee High school, won the Boy’s High School Lacrosse Club State Championship at Sportsquest. Cole was a 16 year old boy who was ready to take on the world. And in an instant, his goals and dreams changed.
I don't know Cole personally. My husband and I went to college with his father, Clem. His accident, however, has affected me deeply. Maybe it is the connection we have with his father. Maybe it is the fact that I have a 15 year old lacrosse playing son. Maybe it is just that it is so unfair that doing something so wholesome--swimming in the river on a summer day--can result in such a devastating, life changing situation.
I am posting this story as a way of continuing to create a web of support for the Sydnor family. They will need a lot of support, both emotionally and financially, in the years to come. There is a community Facebook page for Cole where you can learn of local fundraising efforts in the Richmond, VA area. Last week, they had an event where they raised $700 dollars at a local restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, and there is another one scheduled for tomorrow at Marty's Grill. If you live in the Richmond area, please consider becoming a fan of Cole Sydnor (community page) and eating out at one of the local restaurants who have offered to help.
Another way you can help is by making a tax free donation. Every little bit helps. A site has been set up to benefit the Sydnor family and the many unforeseen expenses that they face. Besides what is not covered by medical insurance, there will need to be extensive modifications made to their home before Cole returns. If you can help, please do. The site where you can make the donation is, Cole Sydnor,NTAF South-Atlantic Spinal Cord Injury Fund.
Please keep this family, and this young man, Cole, in your thoughts and prayers. He has made amazing progress in short time. He has many folks cheering him on, but he will need all the support we can rally!
Go Cole... you have the whole world cheering for you!
There is a new website that allows you to track Cole's progress, all the efforts on Cole's behalf, as well as ways that you can help: www.rollwithcole.org.
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