Scott Jones – Story of Hope

Scott Jones, a graduate of Washington Township High School and Rutgers University (both in New Jersey ), was paralyzed in a tragic motorcycle accident in February of 2007 in Maui , Hawaii . Scott suffered a C6 spinal cord fracture and broken leg. Shortly after the accident he was diagnosed with permanent paralysis from the chest down.

Slowly, Scott made progress and in May he began occupational and physical therapy. He had to relearn how to do everyday things like shaving, brushing his teeth and eating. He regained some of the weight he had lost and worked hard to increase the strength of his arms and chest so that he could eventually be as independent as possible.

Although Scott received outstanding care in Hawaii , Scott longed to come home to New Jersey and be surrounded by friends and family. Scott's brother Sean approached A Step Toward Hope about planning a benefit in Scott's honor to raise money that would go towards the air ambulance needed to fly Scott home. Soon an event was scheduled for May 19 th at Masso's Columbus Manor in Williamstown. The event was a huge success and raised enough money for Scott to be flown home. Scott should arrive home in New Jersey by mid-June.

Throughout all of the pain, surgeries and procedures he had to endure, Scott remained strong-willed and maintained a positive attitude. He is an inspiration to others suffering with paralysis as well as being a model to everyone that a positive attitude can literally work wonders.