My name is Laura McKenzie Adams. On October 1st 2022, tragedy hit our family. My then 15 year old son Dane McKenzie Kortz was paralyzed from the bellybutton down in an accident. He spent 2 weeks in the hospital and an additional 7 weeks in a rehabilitation facility. There he began to learned how to move in his new body. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay with my son the whole 9 weeks because he was a minor.

As a single parent of two teen boys, missing so much work was devastating financially. We had to move as our previous home was not wheelchair accessible for Dane being it was a 2 story.

Dane was able to come home two days before his 16th birthday. Since then, we are trying to push as hard as we can to heal and adjust to our new normal. Dane has physical therapy 3 days a week. While he can’t feel to the touch, He is getting some muscle engagement in his hips, lower abs, lower back, and glute muscles! He is able to use leg braces and parallel bars At physical therapy to slightly move his legs in a walking motion. He’s working hard to get back as much mobility as possible. He's just returned to school fulltime this year and is incredibly determined to get back to normal life as much as possible. He has an amazing attitude considering all he’s been through.

 

In April of this year Dane got his learners permit!! We are in the process finding a place nearby, that does adaptive drivers training that will allow him to drive with hand controls. The next step will be finding him his own vehicle to drive. Once he’s able to get his license, it will allow him to feel like he’s back on track with other 16 yr olds. It will afford him more freedoms and help me out as well as I’m the one that drives Dane to all of his doctors appointments, physical therapy appointments, and school. We are currently driving my grandmother’s minivan, as the transmission went out on my other vehicle two months ago. It’s not the easiest for Dane to get into, but we are managing and grateful to have it.

 

Our needs are still pretty great. I’ve only been able to return to work 13 hours a week since taking care of Dane entails so much time. Not only driving him places, staying with him at all of his appointments, but taking care of his day-to-day medical needs as well takes time.

Being able to stay in our home, and having a reliable vehicle is paramount. God is good and has blessed us this far. However, Our resources are currently running out. I have always prided myself on being self-sufficient in taking care of my family. Since all of this has happened, I have had to humble myself and accept help which is not easy for me. Under the circumstances though, Any generosity is immensely appreciated.

 

Much love and thanks,

Laura, Dane and Seth