‘Summer’s Wings’ is the GoFundMe page launched earlier this week. The internet fundraiser, organized by Summer Phillips’ lifelong friends, Sharon Garfield and Kim Robeson, is an easy way to make donations for the care and comfort of our dear Summer.
“Hey, dragonflies,” stated Kim at CaringBridge.org. “We now have Summer and Chris’ GoFundMe page up and running. Please go to her page and donate, and also share her page. It took everything to get them to allow Sharon and me to do this.”
Chris and Summer were reluctant about asking for charity. “They have given so much to so many. Now it’s our turn. Prayers and positive thoughts as they get their home ready and transportation in place. Love to all.”
Summer and her husband Chris Pierce have a long row to hoe.
“They are going to need continuous funds for the rest of her life,” said Kim, who also manages CaringBridge.org, a website dedicated to sharing health updates to family and friends, and a wonderful way to communicate with loved ones like Summer. “We have started with a guesstimate and can add as needed,” she said. The initial goal was set at $200,000.
We’re talking about longtime care, folks.
Chris informs me that in two days they will move into an outpatient unit on campus were they will reside. The Craig Hospital staff has been readying the couple to transition from inpatient to outpatient. “It’s a big step,” said Chris, “and there are so many unanswered questions.” He has accepted his new duties with courage and aplomb, and is resigned to do his very best for one reason only: he loves his wife with all his heart.
“I’m going to be her nurse, her pharmacist, her nutritionist, her chauffeur, physical therapist… everything.” Chris chuckles as he seems to contemplate his new roles. “The doctors say they give most people [with spinal cord injuries] at least two years to improve, but everybody’s different.” We can only hope for the best and give Summer all our love and prayers. And when she returns to Pagosa Springs – hopefully in May – she will find an extensive support group anxiously awaiting her joyous arrival.
To donate, go to: https://gofund.me/dd9d9cc3
The people of Pagosa have big hearts. One kind woman, who was once a caterer, told me that she would love to be their cook – for free! The contractor and the plumber who are refitting their home both announced to Chris that they were donating their services gratis. But still the materials are expensive, not to mention the motorized wheel chair for $20,000. (Chris told me to never call a powered wheelchair an electric chair for reasons apparent.) And then there is the expensive Stairlift for their home, not to mention the specialized van with a chair-lift for a whopping $90,000! And what about the therapists, doctors, drugs, treatments and a myriad other unforeseeable expenses?
You can see how contributing money to GoFundMe is the only way Chris and Summer will be able to make ends meet. We must all help them recapture the splendid lifestyle that they once enjoyed and now truly deserve.
Summer was on top of the world and in the blink of an eye she was changed forever. It will never be the same, but it can be a thing of beauty! Be generous, because generosity is an offering.
DC has been a frustrated musician for over fifty years, and now has decided to become a frustrated writer. Learn more at DCDuncan.com. He’ll keep you posted.