Tim's Story

A friend shared this story with me and I felt the need to pass it on - this accident took place last year but Tim has just recently returned home. Please read and if you know of any possible ways that you can help whether monetary or through prayers please do so! My favorite part of this email that I am posting below is that if you will notice....the smile on Tim's face is the same in his pre and post accident pictures--that is true encouragement!

xoxo,
Faith

December 11th, 2010, Tim’s life changed forever. He woke up and started his normal Saturday routine by heading to the YMCA and then returning home. He had made plans to cut some branches away from the house then shop for a bike for his grandson. Tim began trimming the branches by tying them back with some rope. Unfortunately, a branch swung back, knocking him to the ground from the ladder on which he was standing. Instantly, he could not move.

His wife, Lois, heard the commotion and rushed outside. Tim was on the ground bleeding from his mouth, nose and head. He yelled, “I can’t move Lois!” She ran inside to retrieve her cell phone and call for help. He was soon airlifted to CMC where he was told that he had broken his neck and was going to be examined further for other possible injuries.Tim was placed in the trauma unit where his neck and spine were stabilized with weights and metal bars. As he was waiting for surgery, his brain began to swell, which induced two strokes. The quality of his life at the time was not promising and uncertain at best.The surgery required that part of his brain and skull be removed. We were not certain if he would make it through the surgery alive. He did!

After the surgery, Tim’s long road to recovery began. During this process, Tim’s heart failed and he had to be resuscitated. Doctor’s determined that he would need a pace maker. After receiving the pace maker, Tim remained in the hospital for several months. He attended therapy and rehab but is currently paralyzed
from his shoulders down, due to the fractures of his C3 & C4 vertebrae. Now, he operates his electric wheel chair with his head. Tim’s memory of the event is excellent but he will always remain positive and keep a smile on his face. Thank God for the excellent doctors, nurses and hospital staff.

Now that Tim has returned home, a new reality is facing the Stewart’s. Although they remain optimistic, Tim & his family face many challenges that seemed unthinkable just 5 months ago. Tim can no longer work, Lois is now a 24/7caregiver and the family has limited income. Their most pressing obstacle is transportation.
They currently have no way to get Tim to and from the doctor for his frequent visits, so they rely heavily on the generosity of others to help make those trips possible. With your help, we hope to give Tim and his family back their independence. Our goal is to raise enough money to purchase a van that can be equipped with everything Tim needs to get around town: to the doctor, to church and hopefully, back to the YMCA.

To help, please send donations to:
Tim Steward Fund
c/o SCBT
Attn: Rene Brannan
PO Box 3186
Rock Hill SC 29732