Sponsorship Stories

Gregory Lee's life took a dramatic turn on September 28, 2015, when he was rushed to the emergency room with flu-like symptoms by his then-girlfriend. Initially thought to have the flu, his condition worsened, leading to the discovery of West Nile Virus through a spinal tap, complicated by his status as a double kidney transplant recipient. Following a series of medical challenges, including an allergic reaction to medication that caused cardiac arrest, Lee was placed in a medically induced coma.

Allen Daniels Jr. sustained significant injuries on May 1, 2021, when he was involved in a severe car accident that resulted in his vehicle flipping three times and landing upside down on a guardrail. He suffered injuries to his C3, C5, C6, L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae, with a fusion from T12 to L1.

Dawson Niblett's life took an unexpected turn on May 16, 2021, when he experienced sudden numbness in his hands and lost function in both legs, diagnosed as a spinal stroke at the C1-5 level. This devastating event left him with limited movement in his left fingers, challenges with his left leg, and weakness in his torso. Despite these challenges, Dawson remains determined to pursue his aspirations, especially in the field of welding, a passion he held even before his stroke.

Emil Dahalic faced a life-altering event on April 10, 2023, when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident, resulting in a T-11 spinal cord injury. Recounting the incident, Emil describes the ordeal, "I broke 19 bones including my spine in three places and sustained a major spinal cord injury, had two deep gashes in my head, and a lung contusion." His wife, Tina, tirelessly searched for him, and after two weeks in a coma and multiple surgeries, Emil found himself grappling with a new reality. However, amidst the challenges, Emil found hope through the assistance of the Be Perfect Foundation.

Taran Nolan's life took a drastic turn on September 10, 2020, when she suffered a C3-C5 incomplete tetraplegia, rendering her quadriplegic. Despite the challenges posed by her condition, Taran remains determined to regain mobility and independence. Describing her current state, Taran explains, "I am quadriplegic. I can move my arms some now. I cannot walk unaided. One arm does not straighten, and my fingers do not straighten. I have a lot of pain, body spasms from my spinal cord injury."

Luke Sharp's life changed dramatically on April 11, 2015, when he was involved in a head-on collision while riding his dirt bike in the desert, resulting in a C3-C4 incomplete spinal cord injury. Recalling the incident, Luke recounts, "I was riding my dirt bike in the desert, and I was involved in a head-on collision with a dune buggy."

Lauren Messer, a 27-year-old from Whittier, has navigated life's complexities with Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder diagnosed when she was just 3 years old. The condition, which primarily affects females, has placed numerous obstacles in Lauren's path, rendering her unable to walk unassisted, non-verbal, and with limited hand use. Additionally, she contends with scoliosis, seizures, breathing abnormalities, and GI issues, each adding layers of difficulty to her daily existence.

Arthur Martinot, a 44-year-old with a profound love for the outdoors, found his life irrevocably changed following a diving accident in Spain in July 2022. An avid enthusiast of the ocean, surfing, mountain biking, camping, and hiking, Arthur's passion for adventure was abruptly paused. Choosing to undergo rehabilitation in Spain, Arthur and his wife, Megan, did not return to their Los Angeles home but instead embarked on a new journey that led them to Casa Colina in Pomona, California, and eventually to Claremont, CA, to be near The Perfect Step and Casa Colina for continued rehabilitation.

Luke Madson, whose injury occurred on June 16, 2019, resulting in a C2-C3 Cervical Incomplete level of injury, wishes to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Be Perfect Foundation. Luke's injury stemmed from a traumatic birth experience, as he was born prematurely. The Be Perfect Foundation has played a crucial role in Luke's journey towards regaining independence and an active lifestyle.

In December 2022, Douglas found himself in excruciating pain, and after seeking medical attention, he was initially prescribed painkillers for what seemed like a temporary issue. However, his pain persisted, prompting him to return to the hospital. A series of tests revealed the presence of MSSA bacteria affecting his heart valve, as well as severe lumbar and thoracic issues. Douglas underwent two surgeries in quick succession, along with the implantation of a pacemaker to address his heart condition.

Thiago Pinheiro, whose life was profoundly altered by an auto accident on December 1st, 2022, resulting in a complex array of injuries including a brain injury, stroke, brachial plexus issues, nerve damage, and multiple fractures (ribs, right knee, right arm, left arm, and four fingers), wishes to convey his heartfelt appreciation to the Be Perfect Foundation. Their support has been pivotal in his journey toward recovery and a return to an independent and active lifestyle.

Megan Magnuson, whose life was forever altered by a car accident on June 17th, 2017, resulting in C5 and L2 level injuries, wishes to express her profound gratitude towards the Be Perfect Foundation. Through their unwavering support, Megan has received vital financial assistance that has enabled her to pursue essential medical needs, particularly ongoing physical therapy. This assistance has proven to be instrumental in her journey toward regaining strength, independence, and self-assurance.

Anthony "Tony" Galvan-Schaible, who sustained a C5/6 spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident while traveling overseas on July 29, 2020, wanted to share his heartfelt gratitude for the support he received from the Be Perfect Foundation. The foundation awarded Tony a grant that proved to be a lifeline for his journey toward recovery and an active lifestyle.

Ryan Barbee, who sustained a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury on February 5, 2022, while skiing at his home mountain, Crystal Mountain Resort, wants to express his heartfelt gratitude to the Be Perfect Foundation for the invaluable support they've provided. Ryan's injury occurred when he went off a second jump with excessive speed, resulting in a broken C6 vertebra and a compound fracture of his left tib/fib. He was swiftly transported to Harborview Medical Center via helicopter, where he underwent three surgeries, stayed in the ICU, and completed his rehabilitation.

Jonathon Plaszcz, who sustained a C4/5 spinal cord injury on August 7, 2016, shares his profound gratitude for the life-changing support he has received from the Be Perfect Foundation. His injury occurred during a challenging situation in Florida when he was on his moped, attempting to return home from a concert amidst a tropical storm. The slippery roads caused his moped to skid, leading to a head-on collision with a light pole.

Silvia do Valle, who sustained a C4 spinal cord injury on July 18th, 2017, shares her heartfelt gratitude for the transformative support she has received from the Be Perfect Foundation. Silvia's injury left her an incomplete tetraplegic, with her neck fused from C3 to C6, resulting in stiffness, constant muscle spasms, and neuropathic pain in her neck, shoulders, arms, hands, and feet. She also faces challenges such as calf spasms, drop foot, urinary retention, incontinence, and various gastrointestinal issues. Furthermore, she endured fractures to ribs and vertebrae, a lung contusion, and continues to battle PTSD, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety due to her pain and limitations.

Hello, my name is Alexis Evans! I sustained a C1-C2 spinal cord injury from a motor vehicle accident on December 21, 2021. I was driving to work on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim when I came to a stop for traffic. The driver behind me failed to slow down, rear-ending me at full highway speed. The impact caused my skull to dislocate from my spine, known as an internal decapitation. The initial prognosis was grim, but I quickly began to show signs of improvement that were previously thought to be impossible by my doctors.

Lelle Mills, who experienced a life-altering injury on October 15, 2017, resulting in a C5 quadriplegic condition, extends her sincere gratitude to Be Perfect Foundation and its generous donors. Their unwavering kindness has alleviated a significant burden from her life by helping pay off the balance for her wheelchair. Lelle recognizes the tremendous difference that these acts of generosity are making in the lives of individuals like herself, and she and her family are deeply thankful. In her own words, she aspires to one day be in a position to make a difference in someone else's life.

Dustin Faurote, born on April 3, 2007, and living with a C5 spinal cord injury resulting from a diving accident, shares his heartfelt experience with Be Perfect Foundation. Through their support, Be Perfect Foundation has transformed Dustin's life, providing him with a safer and more independent means of caring for himself.

Cindy Navarro was officially diagnosed with Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis on January 15, 2018, marking a pivotal moment in her life. The discovery of The Be Perfect Foundation came through social media and friends, leading her to seek their assistance. Throughout her journey with TPS, she had the privilege of working with dedicated trainers, including Nate Lozano, and briefly, Cody Norman, Shawn Gutierrez, Nicole Pires, and Andrea Reyes.

Jessica Mahone, a Be Perfect Foundation-supported client, experienced a life-altering event on February 21, 2020, when she became the victim of a drunk driving accident, resulting in a severe C2-C5 Spinal Cord Injury that left her paralyzed. Be Perfect Foundation stepped in to provide invaluable assistance to Jessica, both physically and emotionally, as she embarked on her journey to adapt to her new reality. With access to cutting-edge equipment and the guidance of knowledgeable and encouraging trainers, Jessica has been able to rebuild her strength, both in body and spirit. The sense of community and unwavering support fostered by Be Perfect has served as a constant motivation for Jessica as she strives towards regaining her independence.

Natalie Wilson, a determined individual whose life took an unexpected turn on 2/21/21 when she suffered a T4 Complete, Asia A spinal cord injury while sled riding, shares her profound gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the Be Perfect Foundation. Natalie's accident left her with six broken ribs, two collapsed lungs, and a catastrophic spinal cord injury. In her time of need, Be Perfect stepped in, offering her a lifeline to regain her independence and active lifestyle.

Michael Richards, a beneficiary of the Be Perfect Foundation, shares his heartfelt journey of resilience and hope after a life-altering event on April 11, 2023. Michael's injury, a T-11 Complete spinal cord injury resulting from a motorcycle accident (not his fault), left him facing immense challenges. However, Be Perfect stepped in to provide invaluable support.

Travis Julin, a beneficiary of the Be Perfect Foundation, encountered a life-altering event on August 3, 2023, when he suffered a spinal cord injury at the T7-T12 level due to Surfers Myelopathy. In the midst of his challenging journey, Be Perfect Foundation extended a helping hand that made a remarkable difference in his life.

Stephanie Nichols-Rodas, is a determined individual whose life took a challenging turn on May 6th, 2017, when a car accident left her with a C5-C6 spinal cord injury. This incident disrupted her daily routine and independence, thrusting her into a new reality of physical limitations. However, the Be Perfect Foundation stepped in as a beacon of support, offering a lifeline of assistance that has transformed Stephanie's journey toward recovery.

Hi, my name is Kylie Bahne! On April 22, 2020, I was with 2 of my friends when I attempted to do a somersault, immediately leaving me paralyzed from the chest down. I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and taken into emergency surgery, and I  was diagnosed with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C6/c7 level. This happened right after everything had shut down from Covid, when I was away at college, 10 hours from home. I thankfully was able to get in contact with my parents and they were able to hop on the plane the next day to be with me in the hospital. I was in the ICU for 2 1/2 weeks and was then transported back to my hometown of San Diego where I was in inpatient rehab for 2 1/2 months.

Meet Nash Grim, a remarkable individual whose journey took an unexpected turn on February 4, 2021, when he experienced a profound transformation due to a controversial incident. At his 6-month well check, Nash received the DTaP vaccine, triggering a hyperimmune response that led his own immune system to attack his spinal cord. This devastating chain of events left him paralyzed from the neck down, an outcome that defied his young age.

The Be Perfect Foundation has been a strong support for Caelum Miller in his recovery journey. Caelum suffered a profound brain injury as a result of an accidental drowning when he was just 17 months old. Despite the challenges he faced due to his Hypoxic TBI, Be Perfect stepped in to provide much-needed assistance. They have offered scholarship funds, specifically for Caelum's exercise therapy, which has played a crucial role in helping him regain an independent and active lifestyle.

Arnold Gonzales, a client of the Be Perfect Foundation since February 16, 2022, has been receiving financial support to attend therapy at the Perfect Step, aiding in his recovery from brain damage caused by a ruptured brain aneurysm and hemorrhagic stroke. Thanks to the assistance provided by Be Perfect, Arnold has experienced remarkable progress in his mobility, transitioning from a wheelchair to a walker. He has also made significant improvements in performing basic daily tasks such as dressing, brushing his teeth, and shaving.

Laura Grabowski, a former expert level competitive mountain biker, experienced a life-changing injury on 4/17/2019. While riding a casual trail she frequented, heavy rain had caused overgrowth and erosion, resulting in a serious accident when attempting a jump. The injury left her with a C7 incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Despite the challenges she faced, Laura's determination and resilience led her to Be Perfect, an organization that supports clients with their medical needs.