FOX 2 photographer needs help after motorcycle crash leaves him a quadriplegic

FOX 2 photographer paralyzed in crash wants assist

Rob Plewa and his spouse Rita need assistance after a motorbike crash final yr. Rob was paralyzed and Rita should take care of him every day, however there’s little financial help after Michigan insurance coverage legal guidelines modified.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (FOX 2) – In September 2021, FOX 2 photographer and editor Rob Plewa was in a devastating motorbike crash.

“The most important problem is to simply accept the face that I’m a quadriplegic,” he mentioned. “A bit little bit of a torture that I’ve no mind harm as a result of I really feel like good previous me, however I am unable to do any of the issues I used to do.”

Rob visited the newsroom Tuesday, a uncommon journey out of the home since he was harm.

“I am right here to attempt to encourage individuals to contribute to those that need assistance,” he mentioned. “I by no means used to ask for assist. Now I’ve to ask for assist for every part.”

After the crash, life modified for each Rob and his spouse of 21 years, Rita, who now has to take care of him and can’t work. She has to show him each two hours, elevate him off the bed, and assist him get round.

Below Michigan legislation, a single motorbike crash doesn’t pay any incapacity profit. Nobody could be sued, and the one earnings Rob’s household has is Social Safety incapacity and a small long-term incapacity profit, offset by the amount of cash he will get from Social Safety.

“In 2019 the legislature modified the legal guidelines, the no-fault legal guidelines, for motorists which can be concerned in accidents, just about eliminating protection for individuals like Rob,” mentioned Greg Jamian, with the Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Affiliation.

Jamian offered Rob with a $2,000 test.

“You do not concentrate on what bought you there, you concentrate on what will get you out of there. It is making me tear up proper now simply fascinated by it,” Rob mentioned.

Donations to all nonprofits, just like the Michigan Spinal Cord Injury Affiliation, are down 7%. And due to adjustments within the legislation, there’s been extra requests for donations and an elevated want for funds. You’ll be able to donate to the Spinal Cord Injury Affiliation right here.

A GoFundMe web page has additionally been set as much as assist Rob.