PUHI — Jason Cabot is like a lot of young adults. The 2008 Kapaa High School graduate loves a good laugh, and he usually gets it while watching his favorite television show, “Modern Family.” He appreciates reading a good science
PUHI — Jason Cabot is like a lot of young adults.
The 2008 Kapaa High School graduate loves a good laugh, and he usually gets it while watching his favorite television show, “Modern Family.”
He appreciates reading a good science fiction novel, too, and he does it regularly on his Nook. He also loves eating poke and hanging out with his friends.
When the 23-year-old goes out, it’s usually to his church or an occasional movie.
But beyond the things he loves to do, the Hawaiian-born man’s life is filled with obstacles many other young adults never have to experience. It’s filled with weekly in-home physical therapy and caregiver assistance at his parent’s home in Puhi.
The air condition technician had been living independently in his first apartment, but everything changed July 28, 2013, when Cabot went for a Sunday afternoon swim at Makua beach on Oahu, a spot he and his friends had never explored.
“I ran into the water and jumped over a wave,” said Cabot. “When I came down, I landed on sandstone and it stunned me.”
Cabot had broken his neck.
“I didn’t really feel any pain but I couldn’t move,” he said.
Gasping for air and lying face down in the water, Cabot was rescued by a friend and pulled to the beach. The accident had been a split second in time, but it would impact Cabot’s life forever.
“When I woke up, I was in ICU at Queens Medical Center,” he said. “There were tubes down my throat and I couldn’t talk. I knew I was paralyzed because I couldn’t move my arms. I couldn’t really move anything.”
Doctors told Cabot and his family that the paralysis is permanent.
Joni Cabot, Jason’s mother, is now dedicating all her time to her son’s care. Prior to the accident, she enjoyed working with the elderly part time in the meals-on-wheels program with Kauai Economic Opportunity.
“I just ask God for guidance now,” said Joni Cabot. “Yes, sometimes I’m angry this happened and I ask, ‘Why?’ But in the same breath, I thank God that my son is still here. It just makes you appreciate life more when something like this happens because life can change in a second.”
Despite the devastating accident, the family keeps its focus on the future. It moves forward together day by day, prayer by prayer, project by project.
Like fixing the shower.
Joni Cabot said the family is hoping to be able to have Jason Cabot’s shower renovated soon to make bathing easier, and to have work done on their front walkway to make transportation smoother for his wheelchair. The family will install a covering for the driveway to keep Cabot dry on rainy days.
Cabot’s father, Gil Cabot, says he wishes life could be like it was before the accident when his son had his independence. But at the same time, the father said he sees how the tragedy has strengthened their family bond.
“Jason and his younger brother Jon weren’t very close before,” Gil Cabot said. “Now, his brother is sacrificing going out and instead staying home to help carry and dress Jason. It is such a blessing.”
And the community is rallying to support Cabot and his family.
Caroline Valentine, a member of Lihue Hongwanji Mission, said the church community recognizes Gil Cabot’s commitment to the community and wants to help the family. Gil Cabot served for over 10 years as a Boy Scout master of Troop 83, a group that holds meetings at the church.
“The family has a great attitude,” said Valentine. “These are the kind of people you want to bend over backwards for. They have been there for us and now we, as a church, want to do something for them.”
Work is underway for the “Kokua for Jason,” fundraiser scheduled for April 12. It will feature a craft fair, baked goods, including sweet bread, sushi rolls, plate lunches and nishime. It’s all being prepared and sold to help with the family’s expenses.
Another community event with a ‘70s theme is being held for the family Saturday at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School with donations being collected at the door for a Zumba workout, silent auction, drawings and bake sale.
“People are so gracious and good,” said Joni Cabot about the upcoming fundraisers. “It’s overwhelming having all these people coming up and offering help.”
When asked what kind of help he would like, Cabot said he would like to become a part of a spinal cord research study and that he wants to meet President Barack Obama and ask whether the commander and chief could help Cabot get into one of the studies.
First on his wish list, though, is retracing time.
I’d “go back in time to avoid the accident but still be able to keep the memories,” he said.
That is impossible, he knows, so he keeps his mind fixed on the future, what’s out there for him to achieve.
Cabot said he plans to return to school to retrain for a new career and said he hopes to be a good example for others with disabilities.
“I was a really active guy and yes, I sometimes wish it didn’t happen,” he said, reflecting on the accident that happened less than eight months ago. “But there is nothing I can do about it now. You just never know what will happen next. I guess life had other plans for me and now I’ve just gotta roll with the punches.”
• Lisa Ann Capozzi, a features and education reporter, can be reached at lcapozzi@thegardenisland.com.
