HOWDY! My name is Mandy LaCombe, class of '05; and I am a Finance major at Texas A&M. One of my biggest dreams is to walk across the stage to receive my diploma when I (finally!) graduate!! Walking across the stage is a dream because I broke my neck several years ago. The doctors gave me a 99% chance I would never even shrug my shoulders or breathe on my own. I, however, have always been determined to walk again! I am no stranger to adversity. I was born with scoliosis and had back surgery at 2½ and again when I was 20. Before my first back surgery, doctors told my parents if I was not restricted to a wheelchair, I would be in a back brace all of my life. Fortunately, I only had to wear a brace until I was 5½. I soon went on to play Little League sports, be a cheerleader for my Jr. High & High School as well as participate in just about any other activity I wanted!! My second back surgery was a big reminder that good health was not a "right" but a gift! I feel the experiences I had with my two back surgeries gave me a lot to draw on after I broke my neck. Thankfully, I knew firsthand that medical prognoses are just that. It does not account for a person's will, the strength of the human spirit or miracles. I believe these are bigger determinants. I have progressed enough to live by myself, drive my own van, and go back to school. But my biggest dream of walking again has not yet been realized. Although not yet attained, more than ever, I still believe walking again is within my reach!! And now, I need you to believe in me too!! I have found a place in California that has had great success in helping others that are suffering from spinal cord injury recover and walk again! Project Walk. Already, my progress is INCREDIBLE! I have been working with a trainer, Trevor Carney, for several months. Progress highlights include: more sensation, mobility and strength in my upper body and torso, improved balance, increased grip in my hands, AND my legs are moving!!!!! The treatments I need, however, are not covered by insurance or any other means. To continue this great progress, I must raise $150k-$200k a year for the various therapies, equipment and travel expenses necessary for treatment. Realistically, I am looking at a minimum of 3-5 years of therapy, totaling $1 million. I am raising the funds needed to pay for my treatment through the National Transplant Assistance Fund. It is a 501©3, which means a tax write-off for you! I need your help!!!! I need help that far surpasses the capability of my immediate family. Our resources are tapped. But I feel in my heart the help I need is not beyond reach!!! Every bit someone donates brings me closer to my dream of walking again!! If you would like to sponsor some steps in my recovery, please see my "How to Donate" page!!!

My site is still a work in progress with more details to come. But come on in anyway and take a look around!!! I have a page that recognizes all of the generous people that have sponsored me, along with links to their websites (if they have one)!!! They are great people, so take some time to check out their websites too! You can also find a page about future fundraisers and my progress as well as a page of pictures! Thanks for stopping by!! Mandy