Ronald Howard Linthicum Heights, Maryland, USA

T-12, L1 & L2, November 1999

I fell out of a tree. It was only 8-10 feet that I fell. It was enough for me to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. All of this in trying to help a neighbor. I was away from home for 5 months to the day. I have started a new career, as I was no longer able to do what I loved to do. Life is now pretty good and it has been extremely hard on all members of my immediate family and friends, especially my wife! Who is on dialysis now, as her kidney transplant failed from the stress of me being in the wheelchair and all the extra burden placed on her. We are still together and I love her more for all she has done and continues to do each day for me.