Blake is finally going to be FREE!
Some stories DO have a happy ending!
As most of you already know, Blake Hunt is a remarkable young man. He is paralyzed, quasi-homeless and alone, yet sees the world with more optimism and hope than most able-bodied people I know. He is my inspiration. He has touched my life in a way few are lucky to experience. Blake has allowed me to see the world through his eyes, and for that I am a better person. I love that boy with all my heart.
For those of you familiar with my odyssey from the beginning, you know I spent the months of May and June fighting and almost losing a battle to take Blake to California for a new power wheelchair. The new wheelchair was going to be an incredible gift, but more important to me was giving Blake the “experience” and showing him the power of unconditional love. Love can change a person.
As some of you already know, Blake has had an ongoing lawsuit pending regarding the cause and extent of his injury. The existence of this lawsuit couldn’t fix his deplorable living conditions, bring back his mother or change the fact he sits alone on Christmas. He needed our help and support, regardless of that lawsuit. Do you turn your back on a helpless boy because he may or may not win a lawsuit some day? NO. Especially when the odds are stacked against him.
Here’s the GREAT NEWS (you may need to sit down for this) – HE WON! It’s almost too hard to believe. I can barely comprehend it myself. No one was more surprised than Blake when that verdict came down, except for me of course! Blake will be able to live the life he’s always dreamed of having. He is getting out of the nursing home! (The irony is I just sent him a check for $200 practically the same day!) “Um, Blake, do you think I could have that back?” (haha JOKE) The settlement will not come through for a while and he needs winter clothes, NOW.
Blake has experienced the ugliness of this world, but at the same time, he has witnessed incredible generosity and love. Over the past few years, friends, colleagues and strangers have all selflessly come forward to give Blake a better life. It is THAT kindness and support that has turned Blake into an effervescent, generous, kind, warm-loving soul. One of the first things Blake said to me after winning his lawsuit was,
“Diana, I've been thinking and I want to figure out a way to give back.”
You can’t teach that kind of selflessness. I want to thank each and every person that has helped Blake over the years. You saved a soul. This boy is a better man because of you. Your kindness created a great man, capable of great things.
Blake, I am so unbelievably proud of you. You should be so proud of the man you have become. You are a wise, intelligent, positive, strong young man. It is so profoundly gratifying to know your heart is in the right place and you want to "pay it forward". No one knows the hardships other kids face better than you. You can make a difference in their lives and in this world. You are one of the lucky ones. You have a storybook, happy ending, but these other kids don’t. You can be their voice.
FACT: The average age of a spinal cord injury victim is 16-30 yrs. old. Out of the approximate 11,000 spinal cord injury victims per year, 90% are discharged into private homes, while the rest are sent to live in nursing homes or group homes. –Bet you never drove by a nursing home and realized that! It’s impossible for these kids to get a leg up in this world when they spend all of their time treading water just to keep from drowning. They just need a little boost to get out of the gutter.
While the settlement dollar figure is unimportant, I will say it is large. That being said, it is incredibly important to keep it in perspective. It’s hard for us healthy folks to comprehend the astronomical costs associated with a lifetime of assisted-living care. Blake will need more than a “ramp” at his new apartment. Blake will need round-the-clock care, which is NOT going to be cheap. Blake will have no insurance and on Nov 10 he will be emancipated, therefore no longer receive support from the foster care system. Blake will be 100% on his own. What I’m trying to say is, Blake WILL live the life he’s always dreamed of, but he will NOT be buying a Ferrari! The money will be allocated to him as needed, for important purchases to better his life.
FACT: The medical costs are staggering. The first year alone will cost close to $150,000 to care for a paralyzed victim.
Very important for me to mention that the money we have raised thus far in the “college fund” is a generic fund, not solely created for Blake. It was created with the hope that we would some day raise enough money to send other helpless young people to school as well. That money will be used to help other young people. Blake is attending college in January as well.
The hardest part of this trip has been the guilt over leaving. I know deep down Blake knows how much I love him. I needed this trip for ME, to make ME a better person. I love you, Blake. Don't ever forget it. Time and distance will never change how much I love you. I'm so happy for you I think I'm going to explode!
This picture was taken when he received his new manual wheelchair. This is a boy that has been DEEPLY touched by the generosity of strangers. Now HE can give back!
STAY TUNED! More to come in the "New World" According to Blake!
Friday, October 1, 2010 at 10:10AM 
