Guy Greco – Story of Hope

Guy Greco's family will always remember October 30, 2008, as the day that changed their lives forever. The former UPS driver was at the top of an extension ladder power washing a building. The window trim he was gripping for stability gave way, and he fell off the ladder landing on his back, crushing several vertebrae and severing his spinal cord. He was transported by helicopter to Temple University Hospital where he was diagnosed as permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

For Guy, his wife Sue, and their three young daughters, Katie, Ally, and Emily, life changed in an instant. Referring to their lives from then on as the "new normal," they aim to take things one day at a time. However, the obstacles facing the Grecos are numerous, both physically and fiscally. The accident left the Greco family in need of a $30,000 home renovation in order to accommodate Guy's needs, and medical bills will continue to accrue, even after the insurance money is exhausted.

Jeff Rotondo, a friend of Guy Greco, reached out to A Step Toward Hope in early December for assistance. A Step Toward Hope and Miles Technologies immediately rose to the occasion, planning a fundraiser to benefit the Grecos. The "Holiday Family Fun Day" event, on December 20th, 2008, featured activities for the entire family including pony rides, a mini-train, food and raffles. Miles Technologies even donated big-ticket items such as a 50" flat screen TV and a computer for the raffle. The event was a resounding success, and raised over $3,000 for the Greco family.

Despite his traumatic accident and the radical changes that have occurred in his life, Guy's determined nature and love for life are undefeated. The staff at Magee Rehabilitation Center speak fondly of his jokes and determination as he undergoes his physical therapy, citing him as an inspiration to others.

Scott Jones, a graduate of Washington Township High School and Rutgers University (both in New Jersey ), was paralyzed in a tragic motorcycle accident in February of 2007 in Maui , Hawaii . Scott suffered a C6 spinal cord fracture and broken leg. Shortly after the accident he was diagnosed with permanent paralysis from the chest down.

Slowly, Scott made progress and in May he began occupational and physical therapy. He had to relearn how to do everyday things like shaving, brushing his teeth and eating. He regained some of the weight he had lost and worked hard to increase the strength of his arms and chest so that he could eventually be as independent as possible.

Although Scott received outstanding care in Hawaii , Scott longed to come home to New Jersey and be surrounded by friends and family. Scott's brother Sean approached A Step Toward Hope about planning a benefit in Scott's honor to raise money that would go towards the air ambulance needed to fly Scott home. Soon an event was scheduled for May 19 th at Masso's Columbus Manor in Williamstown. The event was a huge success and raised enough money for Scott to be flown home. Scott should arrive home in New Jersey by mid-June.

Throughout all of the pain, surgeries and procedures he had to endure, Scott remained strong-willed and maintained a positive attitude. He is an inspiration to others suffering with paralysis as well as being a model to everyone that a positive attitude can literally work wonders.