PLEASE help me raise money for the Scott O'Brien One Love Benefit Fund. Scott recently experienced a devasting spinal cord injury and he is now paralyzed from the chest down. Scott's Mom, Nancy (Shapiro) O'Brien was one of my roommates in college and is a dear friend.

Why should you donate? 

Because you can. Because if you don't, who will? Because only by the grace of God this didn't happen to your child or someone you love. Because your donation will not only provide the financial support Scott needs, but will send a great big virtual hug - giving Scott, Nancy, Pete and Scott's devoted brother Andrew HOPE that they will all be able to get through this.

The Story:

It was May 13th, a beautiful spring day.  A day like any other. Fun loving, nineteen year old Scott O'Brien went for a swim with some friends at Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut.

Then his parent's, Nancy and Pete O'Brien got the call. The one every parent dreads. Their wonderful, fun loving son just had a horrible accident. He was in critical condition.

For many weeks it was touch and go. Scott fought to live. But tragically, this athletic young man, who loves sports, the outdoors, skateboarding, and snowboarding sustained a devasting spinal cord injury and is now paralyzed from the chest down.  He has some use of his arms, but not of his hands. This is a particular tragedy since like his Dad, Scott is a gifted artist.

The situation is as bad as you can imagine. Each day is a physical and emotional challenge beyond compare.

But Scott will get through this with YOUR help.

The expenses of caring for Scott will be astronomical and ongoing. Insurance won't begin to cover it. His mom, Nancy is an school counselor and his Dad Pete is an artist. Like most people, there is no way they can financially deal with something this catastrophic without help. Their immediate needs include renovating their home to accomodate Scott.  Of course, there will also continue to be ongoing expenses associated with specialized care and adaptive equipment that Scott will need.

Please make a donation right now. Don't wait. I know your heart goes out to the O'Brien's but please send your money as well. The O'Brien's would do the same if the situation were reversed.

A special note to all the friends of the O'Brien family: Join the Scott O'Brien One Love Fundraising Team by clicking on the Join the Team link. Tell your friends why they should donate and help Scott. Don't forget to tell them why Scott is special to you. The more we spread this around the more money we can raise.

Follow Scott's progress at: http://www.facebook.com/ScottOBrienOneLove

Final Note: The Gold Foundation, a 501 3(c) charity has generously agreed to accept donations on Scott's behalf through Crowdrise. All donations made through Crowdrise are tax deductable. All money donated will be sent directly to the Scott O'Brien Benefit Fund. If you prefer, checks can be written directly to: The Scott O'Brien Benefit Fund c/o Webster Bank 1695 Ellington Rd. South Windsor, CT  06074