Brandon's lower leg amputation medical costs

Hi, we are Michael and Lara Ford and we are raising funds to help our son, Brandon and his young family to cover medical expenses.

Shortly after his 30th birthday, on the 2nd of September, 2023 Brandon experienced a severe accident. He fell from the roof of his home, resulting in some 28 fractures to the bones in his right lower leg and ankle . The injury was so grave that he required substantial sedation to be transported via ambulance.

During his initial hospital stay, Brandon underwent surgery where 6 plates, 38 screws & pins as well as an exofix, were inserted to stabilise the leg and ankle, aiding the healing process. Unfortunately, he developed compartment syndrome, which necessitated additional surgeries and intensified his pain.

The full extent of Brandon’s injury became evident over time, requiring numerous surgeries (19 to date), extended hospital stays (12 weeks so far) , and a rigorous regimen of potent pain medications that have profoundly impacted his physical and mental well-being.

Despite these challenges, Brandon has endeavored to work whenever possible. As a self-employed electrician, his business has suffered due to his limited mobility, frequent hospitalisations, and illness from infections.

Whilst difficult to quantify, it is estimated that the out of pocket expenses to date have surpassed $60,000.

In early 2024, Brandon underwent further surgery to remove some of the plates and screws, which led to a bone infection ( in the tibia). This resulted in yet another operation to excise the infected part of the bone. Despite enduring three months of intensive antibiotic treatment, the infection has returned, making it impossible to proceed with plans to fuse the ankle joint.

The compounded financial, physical, and mental strains have driven Brandon to make the difficult decision to amputate his lower leg below the knee. His goal is to reclaim his life and spend quality time with his wife Len and their two young daughters, Lylah (5) and Elouise (3).

Brandon's recovery from the amputation will be extensive, necessitating the use of a wheelchair, various prosthesis, and other walking aids, many of which are not fully covered by private health insurance or government subsidies. So far the medical expenses for this procedure have been calculated in excess of $15,000 and this does not include any of the ongoing rehabilitation or any of his prosthesis.

Numerous individuals have expressed a desire to assist, leading to the creation of this GoFundMe page. The financial support raised will significantly aid in covering the various medical expenses and provide the necessary resources for Brandon to take the time needed to heal and adapt to his new life as an amputee. We remain confident that, with time, Brandon will achieve improved mobility, allowing him to lead an active and fulfilling life.

Brandon is desperate to get back to work, back to being an active father to his children as well as all the activities he enjoyed so much before the accident (water-skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, jet skiing etc).

A donation of any amount will help considerably and we thank each and every one who can support Brandon and his family and us through this next very challenging phase.