A GoFundMe has been started after a Pittsburgh-area wrestling coach went from experiencing back paint to being paralyzed in just a few days.
Ken Hovis was coaching wrestling one day when he started experiencing back pain. That pain turned severe and after going to the hospital, discovered he was paralyzed from the waist down due to an infection.
Ken’s wife, Jen Hovis, tells KDKA Radio he was extremely active and was running up a hill when he pulled his back.
That is what triggered the dormant infection in his body, according to Jen.
Doctors found an abscess on his spinal cord causes by the infection that paralyzed him, but also, could have killed him.
Jen is grateful for the quick action by doctors and staff at UPMC Mercy, where is he currently in the Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Facility.
The Fox Chapel community Ken and Jen live in has rallied around the family and is raising money to help cover medical and other expenses.
Doctors say that Ken may need a walker and/or braces in able to be walk moving forward.
Ken and Jen have three children together.
You can donate HERE.