Shakir Hodsoll Only Survivor

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Shakir Hodsoll - 25 yrs old, born in Long Branch, New Jersey – Also known as Shak Getem in the music industry.

My name is Shakir Hodsoll. On Tues 19th August 2014 just before 4:00 pm, I was involved in a fatal car accident on Rt 33 and Kozloski Road in Freehold, NJ which tragically claimed the lives of three people at the scene of the accident. Miraculously, I was the only survivor. However, I was left with extensive brain trauma, neck injuries and a broken right foot.

I was transported via helicopter from the scene, thus undergoing extensive brain surgery for five hours and subsequently put in a medically induced coma. After neuro surgery, I was moved to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) for one month and then transported via ambulance to an excellent rehabilitation facility where I stayed for a further one month on the Brain Trauma Ward. As a patient at the rehab facility, I was able to undergo extensive rehabilitation, five days a week, for about 5 – 6 hrs per day. I had to learn how to walk all over again. It was extremely painful, but I kept persevering with the help of my physical therapists who were awesome to work with. I also had a good support team; my parents, family and God-Parents were huge cheerleaders whenever they were invited to therapy sessions. The therapists worked very hard with me daily and were thrilled with all of the effort and progress that I made every day. After the day was over, I must say that I was very tired from the workouts because they were very intense!

After being discharged from the rehabilitation facility, I am currently transported three times per week to a related rehab facility for ongoing rehab sessions which are for three hours each day where I am thriving and getting back into the swing of things such as life skills. It is quite a long day and journey for me as the travel time is also factored in, thus making the days tedious and tiring.

Until present, I am faced with the challenge of having to undergo the next step/part 2 of my surgical procedure, which is to have the cap of my skull put back in along with a metal plate as the skull was removed during surgery to relieve the pressure and swelling of my brain. The skull cap is now being housed in a freezer in the hospital. My parents along with my lawyer have been tirelessly advocating with the insurance companies so that this procedure can be done as expeditiously as possible. Unfortunately, this has been a big struggle which has proven to be a very difficult ordeal.

I have been outfitted with a helmet that I have to wear at all times, besides when I sleep. This helmet is to protect the brain because there is no skull. Having to walk around without a skull is extremely dangerous and I am desperately trying to be the independent young man that I was before the accident and get my life back on track and return to some state of normalcy. This is very important for me and I must admit, I struggle with this daily, as I so desperately want to be independent again. My parents, family and close friends are a great support, as they take the time to talk with me and cover me in prayer because it can be very challenging and emotional at times.

Prior to the unfortunate accident, I had two jobs in which I worked to support my 5yr old son, Nasir who I love and adore with all my being. Now there is nothing, no income, no car because it was totaled during the accident. My father had to make the decision to stop working in order to assist and care for me because I cannot be left alone. With no income being generated, it has been a difficult feat to upkeep with the day to day living. Needless to say, this is very disheartening as I am a victim of this unfortunate circumstance and now have to bear the brunt of the pressures of life, i.e. child support, heating and electric, water bills, food and the list goes on. At this point in my life I really cannot afford to be upset and aroused which can cause seizures, ultimately affecting my ability to heal.

I am extremely thankful to God for allowing me to survive this tragic accident. I often think of the families of those that did not survive. I pray that God will give them peace so they too can deal with this unfortunate circumstance.

As I learn each day more and more about what I encountered and what I went through during my time spent in ICU, I am humbled and revere God even more for this blessing that He has bestowed on my life; and trust me, I do not take it for granted as I was afforded a second chance at life. I am forever grateful. Ironically enough, there is no coincidence that my parents named me Shakir. The meaning of Shakir is, “Thankful and Grateful.”

We humbly ask if you would like to make a donation, thus planting a seed of love offering for my cause as this would make the world of a difference with the current situation and daily struggle that I am faced with.

My family and I take this time to thank you ever so much, as no donation or love offering is too small or too big. Any amount that you are led to sow is appreciated and accepted with the utmost gratitude and appreciation.

May God Bless Each and Every One of You.

Warm regards,
Shakir

http://www.gofundme.com/helpshakir

Please click on links of the accident scene below to view:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Fatal-Crash-Freehold-New-Jersey-Kozloski-Burlington-271902361.html

http://www.nj.com/monmouth/index.ssf/2014/08/3_confirmed_dead_in_freehold_township_car_collision_authorities_say.html

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/08/19/multiple-fatalities-reported-in-3-vehicle-crash-in-freehold-n-j/