Help Brandon McIver Come Home And Rebuild His Life
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My name is Jo-Ann McIver (Lamb). I grew up in Mississauga, ON, where I attended Cawthra Park High School. I left Mississauga and moved to Everett, a small town outside of Alliston, ON, where my now ex-husband and I raised our 3 sons, Kyle, Brandon, and Ryan. My three sons played baseball and hockey for the Everett Baseball Association and TNT Tornadoes. My 3 sons also attended Tosorontio Public School in Everett, and then graduated from Banting Memorial High School.
Tragedy struck our family on November 5, 2023, when my son Brandon was in a catastrophic car accident on Hwy 400. Brandon unfortunately suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken by ambulance to Southlake Hospital in Newmarket where I was told he may not survive. He was then transferred to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto and was placed in the ICU, in a coma, and on life support for many weeks. I spent every moment that I could by his side and prayed to God he would bring him back to me. I have never felt so scared and helpless in my life, as I watched my son fight to stay alive and deal with many internal and external injuries to his body including a brain injury.
Seven days after the accident, Brandon had his 21st birthday. Although he was in a coma his friends and family gathered to be with him during what would have been a special day. As time passed by Brandon went through different recovery stages due to his severe brain injury, but it wasn’t until 6 months later he spoke again. Each day since the accident has been a constant battle for him, as we have watched our beloved Brandon undergo numerous medical procedures and endure tremendous pain and struggle. We were told he would be in a vegetative state for the rest of his life, instead he’s here.
It has been almost 10 months since Brandon’s accident. He is fully awake, and he knows who we are. Although his speech, communication, memory, and brain function is damaged due to his brain injury, he is now in rehab working with a team to help him. Brandon is still not able to walk and needs equipment to place him in a wheelchair. He is not able to complete simple tasks, nor can he use his left hand efficiently and has ongoing pain in his legs and feet.
We do not know what Brandon’s life will be like in the future, we are unsure if he will ever walk again or be able to work again. What we do know is that he is young and his brain has time to heal. This is not the life I thought my son would have and it breaks my heart to see him endure this physical, mental, and emotional suffering. It is my job as his Mother to be there for him in every way possible, and give him the best opportunity to regain a normal semblance of life. I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support during these past 9 months for Brandon and our Family. I am deeply grateful for everything and everyone.
Despite everything, Brandon’s spirit remains unbroken and he continues being the kind human being and loving soul we all know by constantly putting smiles on those around him and cracking jokes with all of the people he has met on his journey. Brandon’s kind heart and the joy he brings into other people’s lives is a gift and continues to bless many of us. Brandon’s perseverance has inspired us all. One of the songs Brandon uses to push through is called “Something In The Orange” by Zach Bryan. https://youtu.be/lA8F9sIhGdg?si=18U3Eh48X9W3LSAf
I am writing with hope to ask for your continued support in Brandon’s recovery and raise funds to remove the financial restraint in bringing Brandon home. Unfortunately, I was unable to maintain my job as I have been by Brandon’s side caring for him and helping him navigate through these difficult times. Therefore, I am currently unemployed and my ability to cover my rent and monthly expenses has been compromised. Brandon is going to be discharged from rehab soon and unable to come home if I am not able to aquire a place for him.
To provide this, I have to obtain a 3-bedroom home for him, myself, and his brother Ryan. Any donations will be used to alleviate the financial stress of this and for the cost of special modifications to the home, the purchase of a customized wheelchair, medical equipment, and a wheelchair accessible vehicle that can transfer Brandon to and from his appointments. As well as the costs of rehabilitation therapies that will soon fall on my shoulders which is crucial for Brandon’s recovery in regaining the ability to walk again.
If everyone could please kindly come together for my son Brandon McIver and show your love, compassion, support, and generosity to help me, I believe Brandon can rebuild his life and I can put my family back together. Please help me, help Brandon for a chance at a fulfilling life that he so deserves. Any donation big or small can make a world of a difference.
Organizer
Jo-Ann McIver
Organizer
Everett, ON