October 5, 2023
Unfortunately, I totaled my wheelchair accessible van, and cannot afford a new one. This van was my freedom and opportunity to support my family. Please help if you can. See the full story below.
DWYCK IS DEAD
DWYCK IS DEAD: my 2007 Buick Terraza wheelchair accessible van, better known as DWYCK is dead! Unfortunately, about two weeks ago, I got into an accident and totaled it.
I nicknamed the van DWYCK, not just because it sounds cool, but it comes from one of my favorite hip-hop songs back in the day. This song was by Gang Starr and Nice & Smooth. Overtime the song name DWYCK, evolved into the acronym, Do What You Can Kid. This slogan was so fitting for me after my accident (I broke my neck in 2012) because as a part of acceptance and survival, really all I can do is what I can (also because I’m so hip-hop).
As a husband and a father, one of the things I can do is be responsible for getting the kids back-and-forth to school, doctors, appointments, practices, etc. Losing this ability is a great burden on myself and my family. I am grateful to have family and friends that are so supportive, who have stepped up to help us with the kids the past few weeks, but it’s still been tough.
I desperately, need to get some new wheels so that I can get back to doing my part and so I don’t go crazy being locked down in the house. One of the biggest barriers to getting a new vehicle is that they are so expensive. With all the modifications, I need to drive a good reliable used vehicle or new vehicle ranges from 75K to 120 K, putting the monthly payment around a house note at $1500.
Throughout this whole ordeal, I’ve never been a fan of asking for donations, but if you would like to support the cause for a new vehicle, you can donate to my fund via help hope live. The link is in the bio. It’s a nonprofit organization, that helps raise funds for people with catastrophic injuries, such as myself. It’s like a GoFundMe for medical needs, that takes much less money than a GoFundMe, and ensures that it goes for only those appropriate expenses.
As always myself and my family greatly appreciate your love and support.
May 9, 2019
I forgot that I promised to do more Quad-Life insights throughout the year, so first let me apologize for not getting them done.
Just this week I had a situation that with my van that after explaining the situation to a couple of people, I realized this would be a great opportunity for an “insight” so here goes:
I had to take my van to the shop because it started over heating. At first, I was told it was the radiator but it turned out to be much worse. Yep, you guessed it the engine was fried and it has to be replaced.
July 25, 2018
Just David making things happen with the boys at Home Depot.
July 31, 2017
David's therapeutic rec activity has transformed into much more. He is officially an artist. You can check out his art on Instagram @iquadits for those that don't know what iQuadits means: the "i" is for iPhone because all his art is done using his iPhone, "Quad" is for quadriplegic because he is a C5/6 quadriplegic and "its" is for edits because he edits photos.
July 29, 2017
A friend asked David, "if you could make one expense disappear what would that be?" He said it would be my nurse care because it cost my family about 1000 bucks a month and it's definitely the most important. His friend was totally shocked that he had to come up with 12 thousand dollars a year with no help from insurance just for his nurse care alone (each year for almost 6 years now). He said, "I don't know how we're going to do it yet but that's it, our goal is to raise 12k this year to take care of those nurse expenses!"
That's a true friend.
June 27, 2017
Father's Day was just about 2 weeks ago now so I know I'm late but I wanted to talk about my greatest gift.
I didn't actually receive it on Father's Day but on the Thursday before. This gift was a gift that was too big to come by US mail, FedEx or UPS. It's kind of funny actually because I helped with the gift, so did Jaxon but it was really Brody that made it happen. This gift gave me confidence in my ability as a father and pride in my son's.
Ok ok what was it you ask? My little Brody learned how to ride his 2 wheel bike!
Teaching a child to ride a bike is no easy task for any parent but it's extra difficult for me as a quadriplegic. I thought I could use the same technique I used to teach my older son Jaxon but when I tried that I was quickly reminded just how different Jaxon and Brody are and that their learning style was just as different. To make a long story short Jaxon, Brody and myself worked together to modify his bike in several ways: no training wheels, one training wheel then finally removing the pedals to make a balance bike which was the thing that worked for Brody. The boys and I have a real system. Usually, I'm the brain and since my hands don't work they're the braun. I came up with the idea of how to modify the bike, Jaxon did most of the wrench turning and teaching his little brother, while Brody stayed determined and worked hard at riding. It really took all 3 to make it happen!
So yes this gift was much greater than anything that could be put in a box. It's these things that make my day to day struggles not just as a quad but as a father in general all worth it. This is the stuff that helps me fight through the pain, push me to hit the gym and stay healthy and overall just make it happen because these kids these memories are what it's all about.
Happy belated Father's Day!
August 2, 2016
A better life for David and other spinal cord injury patients like him is really happening, what's the Big Idea?
August 2, 2016
Its been 5 years! Wow! David is still going strong and is preparing for some big changes this year. Stay tuned for more details and updates.
February 22, 2016
You ever wonder what all David's therapy looks like, where your donations go? Take a look at David working it out at Race to Walk and doing his Lokomat training at Carolinas Rehab over the years. This therapy gives him mental and physical health, independence and ultimately life. THANK YOU! He has had to take a break from therapy in last several months do to life, finances, etc, but he is hoping to get back at it hardcore this spring.
February 22, 2016
Check out this short photo montage of David doing what he does best, being a father. He has said, "no matter the adversity you well be the father you were going to be."
February 22, 2016
David completed his driver training last summer with flying colors! He is hoping he will final drive this year, he is currently waiting for his van to be modified for him to drive. Check out this short clip of him driving off like a pro during driver training.
February 22, 2016
Here is the 2015 charity fundraiser raffle results. Normally, he tries to use these funds for his therapy but this year due to the amount NOT cover insurance he had to use these funds for his new wheelchair and other medical expenses. Thank you for your continued support!
February 12, 2016
Want to know how David is doing? Check out his website and blog at www.Quad-Life.com !
June 30, 2014
All though David has had his fair share of set backs, including breaking his ankle in therapy, he is still going strong and working hard. He has recently started doing locomotor training at CMC in conjunction with the Beyond Limits workout program at the YMCA.
Outside of his rehab David has been working on ways to be more independent and get back to the workforce as well as keeping up with his 2 super busy boys that are now 5 and 2.
January 27, 2014
I started back at Race to Walk last week as well as the Beyond Limits program at the YMCA! Looking forward to the hard work but I know it will all be worth it.
January 6, 2014
It's a new year, 2014, so let's start with a big happy new year and an even bigger thank you for all your donations and support in 2013!
I have good news, my ankle is finally healed to a point where I've been cleared to go back to the gym. I'm very excited about this because I haven't been in the gym since September when I broke my ankle on the treadmill. I plan to go to Race To Walk once a week until I find other transportation to add a second day.
This year we will do the annual 5k but we also plan on adding some new events. The first event is in the works for April.
I know there will be ups and downs and lots of hard work but I'm optimistic this is going to be a good year. I have a feeling that there is going to be lots of not only physical but mental growth.
