My son, Jay is a USCG Capt and Tampa Bay area Fishing Guide. He has participated in Tighten The Drag Foundation charity tournaments since its inception and prior to my accident. When my accident ocurred, he reached out to the organization for help and support.

I have been fortunate to be able to take a few steps with assistance and want to continue recovering and regain my independence.  Please support the fishing tournament that helps spinal cord injured like myself get back on their feet!

 

March 2017

My name is Jim and I'm 76 years old.

 

I'm a father, retired Marine, avid fisherman and conservationist. For as long as I can remember I have always had a passion for fishing. On the night of March 19th of 2016, I decided to go night fishing for snook and was
unfortunately involved in a terrible automobile accident. I broke my neck and had to have reconstructive surgery.  I am now labeled as an incomplete  quadriplegic. The past 9 months have been some of the hardest times of my life. My life had changed in the blink of an eye. I walked out of my house for a night of relaxation and fun catching snook and returned wheelchair bound.  I am  working towards regaining functionality in my arms and legs and the ability to be independant once again. Through months of rehab at a facility in Tampa and the help of my son Robby at home, I have made some amazing strides towards independance and improved quite a bit. I have worked very hard to regain abilities that were once very simple. When I was first released from the hospital I couldnt even use a fork and knife to eat. I couldnt hold a glass of water and now I can after hard work and therapy. I now have the use of both arms and moderate strength. My legs have also improved but I still have a long way to go before I can be Independant or even walk again. Ive incurred Tremendous medical debts and unfortunately all of my insurance has run out. I am in desperate need of more structured rehab and overall care. Physical therapy and in home assistance is extremely expensive and unfortunately not a possibility at this moment in time. I never thought that something like this could happen to me, and my thoughts and prayers will go out those who are in similar or worse situations. I am lucky to be alive today and understand that things may not return to what they were when I left my home that night, but i've got a fighting chance. I am forever grateful for my life today and would greatly appreciate any contributions towards my progress.

 

To help Jim directly, please donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/23r442k