Ray Tellier

On October 18th I saw that there was branches blocking the road. I got out and looked to help and then I heard the loud crack of a tree falling apart. I felt the tree hit me and I fell to the street. I was trapped between two branches and as I tried to move I realized that I could not move or feel below my chest. Yelling out, "Help me!" some people came running and supported my head. as I laid face down in shock at what just happened. I pleaded with everyone not to move me know that a wrong term could make me permanently paralyzed. Some nurses came and was there for me while I heard police and fire departments come closer. The fire department used a chainsaw to move the tree away and put me on a board. Thankfully once in the ambulance I could wiggle my toes.  


I was in pretty good shape before and thought that I would be ok, but I found out I was wrong when that night I could not move my legs.  Just wiggle my toes.  I found out I had a fractured C6 and C7 as well as a fractured Fibula in my right leg. The next morning I willed myself just to move my left foot...one inch. My whole body shook at the effort but it moved. Slowly it moved another inch and by lunch time I was able to move my left leg up and raise my knee. 


I am currently in inpatient rehab at Good Samaritan Hospital. I'm slowly getting stronger. The first week my wonderful wife Yazmin was here but she is back in Mexico for one more month.  I am hopping on one leg with a walker and using a wheelchair. My grip and strength are very weak and I need help opening things.  The toughest part is trying to manage my bathroom ability and need assistance with both. 


Hopefully I will be discharged soon and I'm going home to live alone and that's where I hopefully need you. I may need help with food prep, laundry, shopping, and just coming by to say hello from time to time among other things. Thank you, Ray.