Mark’s Remarkable Journey: From Personal Tragedy to Advocacy for Spinal Injury Care

At 27, after a life-changing accident on Lake Pontchartrain, Mark Raymond, Jr. was left quadriplegic and faced a difficult recovery. Grateful for the expert care and support he received from the Spirit of Charity Trauma Center at University Medical Center (UMC), Mark began the long journey of rehabilitation.  

Despite these challenges, his ambitious spirit drove him to seek more than basic therapy. Determined to walk again, he found a specialized gym in California, where he regained strength and hope. Realizing the need for similar resources in Louisiana, Mark founded The Split Second Foundation to improve treatment options, establish fitness centers for spinal cord injuries, and build a supportive community. 

The beginning of his journey 

On July 4th, 2016, Mark was celebrating with friends on Lake Pontchartrain, enjoying an afternoon on the water. Having grown up in New Orleans, Mark was familiar with the lake and was an avid sports enthusiast. However, as the day wore on, the tide shifted. When he dove off the boat later that day, the water had receded to just three feet, and he struck the lakebed, damaging his C-5 vertebrae near the base of his neck. The accident left him quadriplegic and fighting for his life as his lungs filled with water. 

Mark woke up more than two weeks later in the Intensive Care Unit at UMC following a medically induced coma. He had lost 30 pounds, undergone a tracheotomy, and learned the devastating news that he might never walk again.  

"The biggest challenge for me was dealing with the mental aspect of the grief,” said Mark. “A few days after I woke up, Dr. Peter DeBlieux visited and gave me hope. I was struggling to process everything, but he encouraged me to focus on the positive and not dwell on the morbid details of what had happened. He reminded me that God was in control. His compassionate care, along with the support of the rest of the team at UMC, created a strong sense of community and trust, which was crucial in my recovery." 

Essential care and early rehabilitation for spinal cord injury patients at UMC 

Mark’s initial treatment and recovery were crucial in stabilizing his condition and preparing him for the long road ahead. The team delivered essential care, including comprehensive spinal assessments, pain management, and early mobility exercises to prevent complications such as muscle atrophy and pressure sores.  

“Our team implemented a personalized, multidisciplinary rehabilitation plan for Mark focused on strengthening core muscles and improving respiratory function, key components for spinal cord injury recovery,” explained Dr. Peter DeBlieux, an emergency physician at UMC. “The medical team's close monitoring and expert guidance through these early stages of his treatment were instrumental in laying the initial groundwork for Mark's rehabilitation journey.” 

As the only Level 1 Trauma Center in New Orleans and the Southern Louisiana region, UMC’s expertise and dedication were crucial in helping Mark adjust to his new reality. The hospital’s comprehensive approach provided both physical and emotional support during this incredibly challenging time. 

As Mark progressed through his rehabilitation at UMC, he realized he needed more than the standard therapies focused on restoring basic functions. During this time, he also received inpatient therapy at Touro, further supporting his recovery journey. 

"I felt like I could do more," Mark recalls. His drive to regain independence led him to search for more advanced rehabilitation options, eventually discovering SCI-FIT, a specialized gym in California that focuses on post-traditional, exercise-based therapy for individuals with spinal cord injuries. 

Turning tragedy Into advocacy: Discovering SCI-FIT and founding The Split Second Foundation 

Determined to reclaim his strength, Mark traveled across the country with his mother, Ronda, to participate in the SCI-FIT program. There, he not only gained physical strength but also rediscovered hope and a sense of community. Building on the rehabilitative care that he received at UMC in New Orleans, the program further enhanced his trunk control, abdominal strength, and overall mobility.  

“It was the most uplifting environment I’d been in,” said Mark. “It was a bunch of people like me, pushing themselves to get better.” 

As he progressed in his recovery, Mark realized that Louisiana lacked similar facilities and resources for individuals living with spinal cord injuries and paralysis. Inspired by his personal experience at SCI-FIT, he founded The Split Second Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving rehabilitation resources and building a supportive community for individuals facing similar challenges. The foundation advocates for advanced treatments, provides fitness facilities designed for spinal cord injury patients, and offers mental health support to those dealing with the emotional toll of their injuries. 

Transforming hope Into action 

Mark’s journey from a tragic accident to becoming a champion for others is a testament to his resilience and determination. Through The Split Second Foundation, he’s working to ensure that individuals with disabilities in Louisiana have access to the care and support they need, while also pushing for insurance reforms to cover the necessary treatments.  

His mission is simple but profound: to transform hope into action, one step at a time. 

“UMC played a crucial role in my recovery after my accident, providing me with the care and support that laid the foundation for my healing,” said Mark. “Through The Split Second Foundation, I’m committed to turning my pain into purpose by expanding resources and making a difference for others. My mission is to turn hope into action and ensure everyone facing similar challenges has the opportunity to thrive." 

For more information about the Trauma Center at UMC, visit Norman E. McSwain, Jr. MD, Spirit of Charity Trauma Center | University Medical Center New Orleans (lcmchealth.org) 

To learn more about The Split Second Foundation, visit The Split Second Foundation | Home