A Scottsdale woman living with the long-term effects of a traumatic brain injury is seeking community support as she continues years of treatment following a workplace accident. A fundraising campaign could unlock an additional $10,000 in assistance if the remaining goal is met, helping cover specialized medical care that is not typically covered by insurance.
Lynn Knutson has spent years managing ongoing health challenges while pursuing treatments aimed at improving her quality of life and restoring some of the independence she lost after the injury.
Accident
Knutson’s life changed in 2019 while working at a Scottsdale supermarket.
She was helping a customer load groceries into an SUV when the vehicle’s rear hatch unexpectedly closed, striking her on the top of the head.
The incident resulted in a traumatic brain injury that has continued to affect her daily life.
Recovery
Since the accident, Knutson has experienced a range of physical and cognitive challenges.
According to her family, she is unable to work and continues to deal with vision problems, balance issues, cognitive difficulties, and other symptoms related to the injury.
Her treatment schedule often includes between one and five medical appointments each day as doctors work to identify therapies that may improve her condition.
Diagnosis
Doctors recently diagnosed Knutson with cranial cervical instability, providing a better understanding of one possible cause of her ongoing symptoms.
The diagnosis has opened the door to more specialized treatment options.
However, many of those therapies are considered specialty treatments and are generally not covered by insurance, leaving Knutson responsible for significant out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Assistance
Knutson’s fundraising campaign is being organized through Help Hope Live, a nonprofit organization that supports people facing catastrophic injuries, illnesses, and transplant-related expenses.
According to the organization, campaigns have raised more than $188 million since 1983 to help patients pay for medical costs.
A matching grant through The Plaintiff Fund will provide an additional $10,000 if supporters raise the final $1,125 needed to complete the campaign.
| Fundraising Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funds Raised | Nearly $8,900 |
| Remaining Goal | $1,125 |
| Matching Grant | $10,000 |
Challenges
Following the workplace accident, Knutson’s workers’ compensation claim ended without covering many of her continuing medical expenses.
She has relied on Social Security Disability Insurance and food assistance while also facing years of legal proceedings related to her injury.
At times, her medical expenses have exceeded the disability benefits she received.
Outlook
Before the accident, Knutson enjoyed working, kayaking, and spending time with friends.
Her son, Tyler, said one of her biggest goals is to return to work as her recovery continues.
Family members say she remains optimistic despite the ongoing challenges and continues to focus on her recovery while appreciating the support she has received from others.
Knutson’s story reflects the lasting impact that traumatic brain injuries can have long after an accident occurs. As she continues seeking specialized treatment, community support could help her access additional care and unlock matching grant funding to assist with her medical expenses.
