Family, Friends Rally to Support Teen Paralyzed in Boating Accident

It took only a few seconds, but with one carefree dive into Lake Michigan, 19-year-old Dan Stopka's life was changed forever.

On July 4, 2011, Stopka—a Hickory Hills native and 2010 graduate of Stagg High School—joined a group of friends at a beach house in New Buffalo, MI, to hang out and celebrate the holiday. The group spent the afternoon on a boat, laughing and enjoying the warm weather.

The day took a serious turn, however, when Stopka decided to take a break from the sun and cool off in the water. He dove in, unaware that the boat had drifted over a large sandbar.

That was the last time he was able to move on his own.

Stopka was immediately airlifted to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where doctors determined he suffered severe injuries to his C-2 and C-4 vertebrae in his spinal cord. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound former football player would likely be left a quadriplegic, they said.

"It's the worst thing you can imagine, hearing something like that about someone so young and athletic," said Kathy Sularski, Stopka's sister. "My family's world was turned upside down. It was devastating."

Following emergency surgery, Stopka spent seven weeks in the hospital. He was fed through a tube and went in and out of medical coma, causing him to lose 60 pounds.

As his body recovered, however, Stopka regained consciousness and started physical therapy. Despite the diagnosis, he was determined to begin the road to recovery.

"I think he took the news better than all of us did," Sularski said. "We were amazed at how positive he was. He just said, 'Let's do this,' and never looked back."

Following his stay at Christ Hospital, Stopka was moved to the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where he remains today. After weeks of aggressive physical therapy, he had slight movement in his legs, as well as his index finger.

Because the spinal cord injury was "incomplete," Sularski said there is a slight possibility her brother could have a partial or full recovery.

"We pray every day, and he continues to work hard and show improvements," she said.

The cost of Stopka's treatments have placed a financial burden on his family, especially after his insurance lapsed late last year. Although he was approved for Medicaid, the cost of round-the-clock care continues to grow, Sularski said.

In October, Sularski and her family founded "Stand for Dan," a group whose mission is to raise money for Stopka's care and bring awareness to spinal cord injuries. The group's patron is Blessed Pope John Paul II.

"We're a Catholic family, so our faith is very important to us," Sularski said. "Through our faith and the prayers of our family and friends, we've been able to find our way through this difficult situation."

Sularski, a Lemont resident, has enlisted the help of several friends to organize a Stand for Dan benefit on Sunday, Feb. 19. The event will be held from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, and will raise money to cover Stopka's medical expenses.

Christine Wilczek, a Lemont real estate agent, became involved with the benefit after getting to know Sularski and her family through mutual friends.

"This family is so kind-hearted and wonderful, so for this to happen to them is just tragic. I had to help in any way I could," Wilczek said.

The fundraiser will feature a buffet dinner, drinks, raffles and a performance by the Crazy Uncles.

"It's going to be an incredibly fun night, and it's all to help Dan," Wilczek said. "He hasn't given up, so it would be great to show him as much support as possible to keep him going."

Tickets are $25 before the event, and are available at , 15400 127th St. in Lemont (708-420-2424), and Hair Designers, 9200 S. Roberts Road in Hickory Hills (708-430-9887). Tickets are also available at the door for $30. Children ages 6-12 cost $10, while admission is free for kids 5 and under.

For more information, visit the Stand for Dan website or Facebook page.