Community supports Sebastian Smith, an athlete with true grit

By Sandra Serra Bradshaw

Sun contributor

Sebastian Smith, the 37-year-old general manager of The Riverside Inn in Leland, suffered a life-changing accident in February while teaching his younger cousin how to snowboard at Boyne Mountain. A lifelong athlete, he has taught others in his chosen sport, kiteboarding, in locations throughout the world including Aruba, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and the North Carolina Outer Banks.

In a moment that changed everything, Smith fell and fractured his neck. Though the shock and uncertainty following the accident has overwhelmed him and his family, through hard work, determination and inner strength Smith has shown his tenacity and strong spirit.

He was released this spring from Craig Hospital in Englewood (near Denver), Colorado, which is among the finest hospital of its kind for people with spinal cords and other severe injuries, according to U.S. News & World Report.

“It is where Sebastian spent so many hours learning to adjust to his new way of life,”’ said his father Jerome. “He worked with a dedicated team of professionals, helping him in so many ways.” Smith had a full schedule at Englewood, where he learned how to operate his new electric wheelchair, attended rehab classes, and took physical therapy.

“Craig Hospital is where many pro athletes with severe injuries go,” said Jerome. “The staff there were amazing. They are occupational and physical therapists who have been there 23 years. I cannot say enough good about them.”

An amazing human and friend to many, Smith’s recovery road is long.

“My son is very independent,” said Jerome. “He wants to be in charge of his own care. He wants to know everything that is happening. If his physical therapists tell him to do his certain exercises five days a week, Sebastian will be doing them seven days. At Craig he was among patients of many who were just like him.”

Hospital staff taught him many new tasks including effectively using his wrists. Imagine having to relearn these new functions such as drinking with a cup and straw or eating with a fork, tasks most of us take for granted. At Craig, he used a manual wheelchair for about 30 minutes a day to help build up his muscles. The electric wheelchair is currently his main chair. Also, a slide board can be used instead of a harness to move him from his bed to his wheelchair or between chairs. The goal is for him to build enough upper body strength to eventually assist with these movements, but he is not there yet.

“One of my physical goals is to transition to a manual wheelchair that I push myself,” Sebastian told the Sun. “One of my other big goals is to give back to the community that has been so supportive of me. People in Leland and Leelanau County have amazed me with the level of support that they have given to me.”

Sebastian has sensations of his whole body but not enough to move on his own.

“I only have movement from the chest up,” Sebastian explained.

Right now, he can move his arms, but he does not have use of his triceps. He can use his wrists, but not his fingers. He qualified for a research study with electric stimulation for his hands to learn to move them again. An eventual surgery might help him regain use of his triceps which would boost his independence.

His family and friends appreciate all the love from the community and how locals have supported Sebastian through a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign that launched soon after the accident. A May event at the Old Art Building in Leland also raised $60,000.

Sebastian’s next local benefit will be held on Wednesday, June 10, from 5-8 p.m. at the Hop Lot Brewing Company in Suttons Bay. Tickets are $40 and include dinner. The evening will feature a silent auction and performance by The Broom Closet Boys.

While much can change in the coming months, the reality is the family has a long and hard road ahead with growing expenses. The Smiths are renovating their rental house in Suttons Bay so Sebastian can recover there. But the place requires extensive work: removing doors, upgrading the bathroom and kitchen, adding ramp access to two doors. Sebastian is currently staying at a local hotel in Traverse City.

He will also require equipment, including a specialized bed, hoists, bathroom equipment, a vehicle that can handle his wheelchair, and help from people. He needs someone to help turn him every two hours each night. The community around him are busy planning for his return. Sebastian  will need more than $120,000 to help pay for all this.

“I was able to purchase a van this past week, and I found an amazing deal,” said Sebastian.

The Smiths are partnering with Help Hope Live (HHL), a 501C3 fundraising site meant for such situations. Most important is any money raised is kept in an account under his name with their organization, so it won’t affect Sebastian’s Medicaid or disability claims. In addition, since HHL is a 501C3, all direct cash donations or items for the upcoming auction are considered charitable if they are made through the website, and these can be written off on one’s personal taxes or by the company donating.

Sebastian’s spirits lifted after his dad, Matt Larson, and Emily joined him in Colorado to learn how to support him, attending his therapy sessions and spend quality time together. The experience brought a sense of normalcy, laughter, and connection.

“I am trying to get back to living my life and be part of my community and be as active as I can,” he said.

“Sebastian, while in a very dark place that first month, now realizes his disability does not define who he is,” Jerome said.

He is even doing his own research.

“I have been looking into every possible type of therapy or treatment available, including stem cells,” said Sebastian. “I may have to go to another country for treatment. Stem cell therapy can be successful, but it is not available here in the United States and is very expensive.”

The Leelanau community is encouraged to help the Smith family care for Sebastian and support his rehab and home renovations.

“Thank you so much for your support. It means so much to me that the community is sharing my story and supporting me through this difficult journey,” said Sebastian.

As Sebastian begins the long journey ahead, he and his family face countless challenges. The funds raised will go directly toward covering medical bills, everyday living expenses, and the intensive rehabilitation he needs. Every dollar will help support his efforts to regain as much independence as possible and make his life better as he hurdles over these obstacles ahead.

“There have been so many people who have donated to me, many of whom I have never even met,” said Sebastian. “Their support means so much to me, it really does move my heart to receive all this support.”

Please make checks payable to: Help Hope Live. Note in memo: In honor of Sebastian Alexander Smith: Mail to: Help Hope Live, 2 Radnor Corporate Center, Suite 100,100 Matsonford Road Radnor, PA 19087. Donor preference is important to them; please specify in writing if you wish for your name or donation amount to be kept private.