Fundraiser Planned for Paralyzed Man

A diving accident in a backyard pool forever changed a young man's life. Now, his family and friends are coming together to help him make a fresh start.

I first learned about Josh Marshbanks over the summer after I fell and broke my neck. Josh broke his neck, too, but unlike me, he may never walk again. Yet, his attitude is so amazing that you just might be inspired to help him meet the challenges that lie ahead.

"From where I started earlier, I couldn't move my arms, couldn't do anything with my hands. Now, I'm... waving around and stuff and I'm picking up things little by little. So, everyday's a little bit of an adventure," said Marshbanks.

Josh Marshbanks is just 22 years old and getting used to life in a wheelchair. The former high school athlete, who ran track and cross country, dove into his family's pool in August and broke his neck, injuring his spinal cord.

"We ran out there, and to see his face when he (came) out of the pool... it will be there forever," said Tim Marshbanks, Josh's father.

"And to go out there and see your child not responsive, it's hard. So, he's come a long way," said Trish Marshbanks, Josh's mother.

"When I got here, I had feedings tubes. I had PICC lines. I had IVs. (I) had the works, and now it's all gone," Josh Marshbanks said.

Laughing and positive, Josh is ready to go home to his new apartment, live independently and get back to school.

"I've been fine," said Josh Marhsbanks. "Myself hasn't really changed. I just can't walk anymore. That's really it," said Josh Marshbanks. But that is a lot, and Josh's family wants to warn others against diving in shallow waters.

"The water is something that you have to respect. I don't care how old you are, how little you are, how big you are, you have to give it respect," said Zac Marshbanks, Josh's brother. "In two seconds you could be gone."

"We are still very limited in what we can do in addressing the spinal cord injury itself... So, prevention is the most important thing," said U-M Neurosurgeon Frank La Marca, M.D.

Josh's care in the first year will likely cost half a million dollars. So, their friends and family are holding a fundraiser at the Italian American Club of Livonia on Friday, October 30. $25.00 gets you a fun-filled night, and tickets must be purchased in advance. So, come to the fundraiser. Doctor's orders.

"I encourage everyone to come on out and... donate your time, money, whatever you can do to help this guy. He has a great family. He has great friends, which is (a) huge, integral part of his rehabilitation, but something like this really helps a lot, too," said Michael Louwers, M.D.

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Josh Marshbanks Fundraising Benefit

A fundraising benefit is being held for Josh on Friday, October 30 from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Italian American Banquet Hall, which is located at 39200 W. Five Mile Road in Livonia. The event will feature a buffet dinner, music and a silent/live auction. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, call Janet Durante at (734) 451-2600 or Diane Stetz at (313) 271-8018.

If you would like to make a contribution either monetary or an item for the silent auction, contact Randy Barr at (734) 451-2600 or Diane Stetz at (313) 271-8018 or dastetz@hotmail.com.