A Life-Changing Journey

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and the numbness persisted with no sign of relief. Stubbornly, I didn't complain, thinking it was a pinched nerve or slipped disk. However, as the symptoms worsened and walking became difficult, I finally confided in my fiancé my symptoms. We discussed the issue and scheduled an appointment with a podiatrist, suspecting Plantar Fasciitis. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.

By March 2019, I had to leave work to seek more in-depth medical treatment. My primary care physician recommended an MRI, which revealed a mass in my spinal cord in the thoracic area. The suspense of not knowing what the mass was lingered over us like a dark stormy cloud. All I could think about was my fiancé and daughter. When the diagnosis finally came, it was a rare condition called Spinal Arteriovenous Malformation (Spinal AVM).

Finding a specialist for this rare condition proved challenging. We explored various options and flying out of state seemed like our only choice. All I could do was pray and know God was in control and would lead me to the Doctor that was going to give me the best care I needed. I continued my responsibilities as a father and partner. 

In April 2019, I married the love of my life. With a strong woman like her by my side, it reassured me that I was in good hands and God was in control.

Being out of work on disability I was able to spend priceless moments with my daughter, as before I was always at work.

We were referred to a local surgeon who specialized in my condition. He outlined the risks, including the possibility of becoming a paraplegic. With the thought of that notion weighing on my mind, I prayed to God that he would use my surgeon’s hands during the operation to give me the best possible outcome.

On May 16, 2019, we arrived at the hospital for surgery. The procedure, initially scheduled for two hours, turned into a 16-hour lifesaving operation due to the complexity of the AVM.

During the surgery, a laminectomy was performed from T8 to L1, exposing my spinal cord. Titanium clips were applied to the inflamed vessels. The surgery was deemed a success, but complications arose. It wasn’t till my neurosurgeon was conducting his spinal angiogram when he realized the seriousness and aggressiveness this AVM had in store for him. My wife was called from the waiting room and informed he was going to have to take drastic measures and open my spinal cord to ultimately save my life. 

The AVM was so rare in many ways shapes and forms from the size, location, type, and characteristics and many more. It even reached the base of my brain which presented many other challenges if not treated. I was a ticking time bomb is what we were told.

My two-hour procedure turned into 16 hours of lifesaving surgery with many friends and family packing the waiting room showing their love and support. The surgery was a success at first, but complications arose as the surgeon finished sewing me up. The receptors on my right side indicated a problem, leading to an emergency re-opening to remove the titanium clips, which allowed the AVM to swell back up. My neurosurgeon decided to reinsert the clips, monitor my blood flow, and sew me back up again.

I briefly woke up during the transfer from the OR, feeling excruciating pain and hearing nurses telling me to relax before I was put back to sleep. My wife was advised to go home and rest, expecting me to be unconscious until the next day. However, I woke up sooner, confused and in severe pain, wondering where my wife was. The hospital called her, and she rushed back to my side.

When she arrived, I insisted on knowing what had happened. With tears in her eyes, she told me, "You're paralyzed." I lay there in disbelief, unable to process the news.

  The reality was hard to accept, but I entrusted my recovery to God. As a new day arose, I met with numerous doctors checking on my wound and confirming my paralysis. Lying in bed, I prayed and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, ready to start my recovery. I believed there was a reason for my situation and was determined to walk again. 

The love and support from friends and family eased my recovery. Despite the challenges of relearning everything from a wheelchair, the training and family presence were invaluable. My daughter’s daily encouragement was especially motivating. 

Rehabilitation required me to relearn everything from a wheelchair. My daughter became my best therapist, motivating me daily. 

Before discharge, my PT and OT therapists conducted a home evaluation.

As the evaluation continued, I learned the previous homeowner of our house was in a wheelchair and the house was built with a wheelchair in mind. “Thank you, Jesus,” was all I could think of! Not passing a home inspection would have caused an extended hospital stay, or move into a living facility, or remodel my whole home, or sell our home and move to a house that was more accessible. 

God works in mysterious ways, our house passed with flying colors!

After 30 days in inpatient rehab, it was time to go home. Returning home was a blessing, marking the start of true healing.

Adjusting to life away from the hospital posed new challenges. I learned that independence required more planning and adaptation. Ensuring accessibility at friends’ and family’s homes was often disappointing. Despite public places being accessible, many private homes were not, highlighting a significant gap.

Outpatient rehab connected me with others facing similar struggles, providing invaluable tips. However, accessibility programs often had long waiting lists, and many new homes lacked standard ADA regulations. The journey taught me resilience and the importance of support systems in overcoming obstacles.

I had to adapt and learn to live independently. Despite the obstacles, I was determined to be the best father I could be. Outpatient rehabilitation introduced me to others facing similar struggles, providing invaluable support.

 In April 2023, we attended an inspiring event in Austin, TX, featuring motivational speakers and powerful stories of overcoming adversity.  The event was an incredible experience filled with motivation, inspiration, and worship. Among the many inspiring moments, a discussion on real estate caught my attention, leading us to attend a transformative three-day seminar. This experience reignited my passion and provided us with invaluable tools and insights, marking a pivotal moment in my journey. 

“What if we entered real estate and renovated homes to include the hidden blessings of accessibility like our own house?” I asked. And so, we did. We joined a real estate mentorship program and immediately started learning. Living life in a wheelchair is challenging, and for many, it’s beyond their control. 

Everyone should feel comfortable visiting friends or family and at peace in their own home.

Our goal is to bless every home we work on with a touch of accessibility because you never know who will need it or who might visit.