Father, soccer coach looks to community for support

NORTH TONAWANDA - Well-known in the Northtowns as a soccer coach, Scott Warner, of Pendleton, suffered a traumatic spinal cord injury May 26. Hoping to spend Memorial Day weekend with his family, as he usually did, Scott was opening his above ground pool when the railing on the wrap-around porch collapsed beneath him. In the attempt to save his son from falling, Scott put his own life on the line and fell directly on top of his head.

As a result, he lost use of his arms, legs, feet and hands. He was Mercy Flighted to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) and has remained there ever since.

He has had one surgery thus far and has a long road of recovery ahead of him

“He is doing okay,” said Nancy Smith, Scott’s sister-in-law, “He is gaining movement back in his arm and hand and can move his feet a little.”

Scott, a plant manager at Erie Engineered Products, North Tonawanda, has been called a “cheerleader” on the rehab floor at ECMC, because he is always motivating others to keep pushing themselves to recover.

Although he has a long road ahead of him, he continues to push himself and strive for a successful recovery.

His family and friends will host a Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ and Basket Auction Fund-raiser from noon to 4 p.m. (or when sold out) Sunday, Sept. 23.

All proceeds from the fund-raiser will be put toward the extensive rehabilitation of the home and medical bills Scott has accrued since his stay at ECMC. The Warner home will have to under go a complete remodeling process that will allow Scott to move around the home easily.

Among those areas that will need to be added or remodeled in the home are a lift, handicap bathroom, widened doorways for wheelchair access and more.

Scott’s friends and family are asking the community for any help they can give.

“He is just a great guy,” said Smith. “They need help. This is just a normal family or four.”

Scott’s wife, Michele, and his two sons, Daniel and Matthew, who attend Starpoint High School, are hopeful for a full recovery.

He continues to fight and amaze his family as the days go by.

Scott is a 1985 North Tonawanda High School graduate. Friends and family hope to see plenty of old and familiar faces at the event.

Tickets cost $8 pre-sale, $9 at the door. To purchase tickets, call St. Martin Lutheran Church at 693-4415 or stop by the church office at 322 Old Falls Blvd., North Tonawanda.

For those individuals who wish to donate a basket or monetary gift, but cannot make it to the event, you can drop off items at the church or contact Nancy Smith at 870-6238 (cell) or 692-8751 (home), to make arrangements for donation pick ups.