Cole’s Journey

My name is Joseph “Cole” Nickell from West Liberty, Kentucky.  I am a 2017 graduate of Morgan County High School and a former student at Morehead State University where I was an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.   On January 23, 2021, I was in an ATV accident and suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury from a neck fracture that left me a quadriplegic. With hard work and determination, I am progressing every day but I have a very long way to go to regain my independence.  

There is currently no cure for a spinal cord injury but there are experimental treatments that have shown promise in improving the quality of life for spinal cord injury patients by increasing our mobility and who knows maybe even allowing us to walk one day. Unfortunately, the cost of these treatments are not covered by insurance.  

I am starting this fundraising site to raise support that would enable me to pay for experimental treatments recommended by my doctors that are not covered by insurance and gain access to specialized rehabilitation treatment centers that focus strictly on assisting spinal cord injury patients.   In addition to funding experimental and rehabilitation treatment centers, my goal is to raise funds to help me acquire a customized vehicle that would enable me to drive myself to and from therapy, doctor appointments and eventually a return to finish my education at Morehead State University.  A vehicle will enable me to reduce my daily dependence on family and friends and provide an essential level of independence to rebuild my life with my disability.

I believe anything is possible through God and Lord willing, I will continue to show gradual improvements in my abilities to take care of myself and maybe even walk again. I have maintained a positive attitude through this entire experience and with your spiritual and financial help I truly believe I can regain the priceless independence that I lost in the accident.