Ryan's father, former Maplewod Public Works Director Eric Burbank, even left his job last year to tend to Ryan's needs. The WNBC TV Show "Rescue," offered some help two years ago, renovating part of the family home to make it easier for Ryan to get around.
But the economic hits have taken their toll again and the family needs $30,000 to offset rising costs and medical needs as Ryan works his way back to good health.
Towards that end, they have reached out with a new plea for assistance. You can help HERE with a donation. So far, about $2,700 has been raised, but a lot more is needed.
See their notice below and give them some help:
Help Hope Live for Ryan Burbank
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Information Contact:
Carolyn & Eric
Burbank
Phone Number: (973)
763-3884
Email: EricBurbank@aol.com
Ryan Burbank announced
his need to raising $30,000, through donations, to overcome obstacles reversing
his progression. The money raised will go towards getting the necessary
equipment needed to cover uninsured medical expenses associated with his
CATASTROPHIC spinal cord injury. Equipment includes FES RT300, AKCESS Compact
v2 Pro and a power assist wheelchair.
Please help friends and family ensure Ryan is on track to a successful
recovery by going to https://m.helphopelive.org/campaign/6616 and making a donation, or by mailing a donation
to Ryan Burbank’s Special Needs Trust
Fund to 19 Boyden Ave. Maplewood, NJ 07040.
Ryan personally chose to partner with Help Hope Live, a trusted
non-profit organization, because they specialize in injury-related expenses
ONLY and not irrelevant issues such as other funding organizations do.
When
Ryan was 18 he was injured in a freak accident when he fell into his pool and
broke his neck. His medical diagnosis is C6 ASI C spinal cord injury with
Tetraplegia and Neurogenic bowel and spasticity issues. The doctors explained
that since the spinal cord was NOT severed, it was in fact a possibility that
Ryan can regain movement, feeling and sensation. Anything is possible and ever since then Ryan
has not forgotten about what they said. Eager as can be Ryan attended all the
physical therapy sessions prescribed. The therapists and doctors were highly
impressed with his willingness and determination to succeed. Ryan is highly motivated in recovering but
unfortunately his insurance will no longer cover the necessary therapy sessions
or equipment needed on a daily basis.
“I
know I still have a long road to recovery but I am willing to work as much as I
possibly can, regardless of the pain it causes. I can deal with the pain… it’s
the sitting around, not being able to work towards recovery and the hope of
walking again that I have a hard time dealing with.” –Ryan Burbank
Ryan’s
family has been extremely dedicated in helping him recover as quickly as
possible. Carolyn Burbank, Ryan’s mother – a Special Education teacher in the
Millburn School District, diligently learned everything possible to assist Ryan
with daily living. Eric Burbank, Ryan’s
father, left his life long career as the Director of Public works of Maplewood,
to take a job that was more flexible to aid in Ryan’s recovery. Justin and
Nicholas, Ryan’s brothers, also assist in daily care and social
activities. Ryan’s biggest struggles are
visiting family’s houses for holiday parties, taking a trip to the beach, and
going anywhere independently.
But,
despite his condition he is still willing and determined to do as much on his
own as possible. If driving two hours to a rehabilitation center to work out
for an hour then driving two hours back doesn’t scream determination and
dedication, I don’t know what will! This
summer the family will be driving to Florida so Ryan can spend a week at a
specialized rehabilitation center.
