Sam's Road to Recovery

On September 6, around 9:30 pm, Sam was driving west on Riley street near 160th when he lost control of his car. His car struck multiple trees before coming to a stop. Sam was taken to Zeeland by ambulance and then quickly flown by AeroMed to Helen Devos Children's Hospital. When he arrived at the hospital, they put him on a ventilator because he was found unresponsive at the accident scene by the first responders. He had two brain bleeds, multiple skull fractures, bruised lungs, broken ribs, and many scrapes and bruises. Sam underwent a few surgeries. The first to put monitors in his brain for watching brain activity and one in his wrist artery to monitor his blood pressure. The second surgery was to relieve one of the brain bleeds that had doubled in size very quickly and was putting pressure on his brain. To do this, they removed a part of his skull and were able to put it back in place after the procedure, as it was determined that the bleeding was due to the skull fracture and not a brain injury.

Sam is now stable but in critical condition in the ICU at Helen Devos Children's Hospital. He will be on a ventilator and in an induced coma for at least the next 72 hours, so the doctors and staff can monitor the swelling in his brain and his face. His time in the ICU will be likely a week.

Sam is such a kind-hearted and sweet kid. He is heavily involved in West Ottawa varsity football as a wide receiver. He loves to hang out with his friends and play spike ball at the beach. He loves working for his older brother Drew at Freedom Boat Club, and he spent most of his summer there! Sam is loved by so many, and he has the most amazing support system!

By donating, we can help ease the financial burden of the medical bills that will come from this trauma. Therefore we can let the family put their time and energy into Sam instead of worrying about the medical expenses. Whether or not you are able to donate, we just ask everyone to PRAY. Prayer is the most important thing at this time! We will continue to keep you updated on how Sam is doing.

Thank you ❤️