Watch our new video about Ed’s journey — and how and why SupportEd came to be…
Transcript
Edward Beedle is a brother, a father, a husband, a friend. For so many of us. Ed has always been an optimistic and joyful leader as we journey down life’s road. That road took a horrible turn two years ago, when Ed suffered a devastating spinal injury while swimming in the ocean. Instantly, he lost all feeling from his neck down.
Without the actions of family, friends and compassionate strangers, we would have lost him right there. What happened that day was the first step of a long and difficult journey. Ed underwent surgery for a fractured vertebrae. Spent months in hospitals … more surgeries … intensive care in hospital … physical therapy. To this day, everyday activities — pperating a phone, using a remote, eating and drinking — are monumental tasks.
With every advance and milestone achieved, comes a notice saying the insurance doesn’t cover it this time. Ed and his wife, Jane, face a mountain of expenses for the necessities they require. The fundamental need for visiting medical assistance. Essential every day therapy and rehabilitation. Ramps, lifts and other modifications to his home. Accessibility equipment to navigate all the things in life that we take for granted.
Recovery is possible. Ed’s incredible determination and positive attitude are fully on display every day. Occupational therapy sessions show some improvement and fine motor skills. Physical therapy, like sustained usage of the stim-bike that electronically stimulates the muscles in Ed’s legs to power the device, have in part led to Ed moving his legs under his own power. These improvements, small as they may be, are huge advances in a battle against a spinal injury like Ed’s. But only with sustained ongoing therapy, in-home care and assistive supply and equipment can these advances take place.
And that requires money. Lots of money. Money insurance doesn’t give up easily. A successful GoFundMe campaign got us to this point, and now we come together for Ed and Jane with SupportEd. SupportEd adds a vital element to our fundraising efforts — one that brings the power of joy, music, and laughter to the forefront. Bringing people together, and raising money through the generous, magical gift of creativity.
And the first event in this effort is our benefit concert at Touchstone Theater on Saturday, October 19th, 2024. Please buy a ticket. We’ve put together a show you won’t want to miss. Be a part of the community and enjoy a night of comedy, storytelling and music.
And if you can’t attend, please donate. You’ll find everything you need at the Support Ed website. And from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you.