By Suzanne Popp
I am writing this to enlighten Coronado citizens of a story close to my heart. Two and 1/2 years ago my son’s college buddy jumped in a shallow part of a lake near where the boys resided. He broke his neck and lost all feeling and function below his shoulders. With his positive attitude and enormous strength, Jake is showing progress with his upper body movement, has returned to college, and is an active advocate for research regarding spinal cord injury treatment. As a member of Get Up Stand Up to Cure Paralysis (GUSU) Jake recently testified to the MN Senate Committee of Higher Education to increase state funding of the Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program.
Two weeks ago, Jake came to Coronado to visit my son, George, and his friends for their college spring break. He needs constant care as he is in a wheelchair. The boys, all engineering students, modified ramps and furniture to make our home more accessible for Jake.
The best day in Coronado was when he was able to use one of the three electric beach chairs, located at Central Beach in Coronado. Jake had not been to the beach since his accident. The sheer joy on his face is a moment I will never forget! The boys are all big sports fans and went to Petco Park for the World Baseball Classic and to Viejas Sports Arena to watch the Gulls.
When the accident occurred I sent him a bag of Coronado beach sand to remind him that he will always have sand between his toes!
Thank you Coronado for providing Jake with the ability to enjoy our beautiful beach with the electric beach wheelchair. You can read more about Jake’s story at JandyStrong.com.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Popp DDS
