Local Woman Seeks Community Support for Standing Wheelchair After Life-Altering Crash

By Talbert Toole
Lifestyles Editor
talbert.toole@hottytoddy.com

After two months in rehabilitation, Trenia Reynolds (left) and her husband, Bruce Reynolds (right), made the decision to move to Oxford. Photo courtesy of Bruce Reynolds.

On Sept. 21, 2015, Trenia Reynolds and her family would bear witness to a horrific accident that would change all of their lives.

Reynolds was hit by an 18-wheeler on the interstate outside Clinton, Mississippi, just a few miles from her home. Due to the accident, which severely damaged her spine and left her quadriplegic, Reynolds had immediate spinal cord surgery and spent a month in the ICU in Jackson, Mississippi.

Her diagnosis was grim: she would never be taken off the ventilator or be able to breathe on her own; in addition, doctors told the family she would not be able to speak or eat again. The family was told Reynolds would remain “bedridden.”

Reynolds’ family made the decision to transfer her to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Reynolds and her family watched as miracles transpired and her health began to improve. 

After two months in rehabilitation, Reynolds and her husband, Bruce, made the decision to move to Oxford where the couple would be closer to their daughter and her husband, Moni and Stuart Simpson.

“The rehab process has been arduous but at the same time somewhat of a blessing. The OTs and PTs in Atlanta, Tupelo and Oxford have been so empowering for Trenia,” Bruce said.

Now, as Reynolds continues to improve and make progress in her recovery, the family looks to the LOU community to raise funds for a power standing chair.

“The health advantages of this Standing Power Chair are amazing both physically and psychologically,” Bruce said. “When in the chair, Trenia can literally stand herself up by using her chin drive mechanism.”

Bruce created a GoFundMe account in an effort to raise the money to purchase the chair. The chair costs approximately $58,000.

Within two days of the account’s creation, the Reynolds family has raised just over $5,000.

Bruce said the family is overwhelmed at the amount of money they received on the first day.

“Certainly, we are humbled,” he said. “This is a hand we had rather not been dealt.”

Sixty-three people have donated to the fund, according to the GoFundMe.

“We plan on playing it out the very best we can with God’s help and continued prayers from all those who care so deeply for Trenia,” Bruce said.

For those interested in contributing to the Reynolds’ cause, the family has provided multiple avenues for donations.

Visit the Power Standing Chair for Trenia Reynolds GoFundMe page for more information. 

• Send a check to:
  TeamTrenia
  ℅ Grantham Poole, PLLC
  1200 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 206
  Oxford, MS 38655
  (You can make the check out to “TeamTrenia”)