Eric Davis Recovery Fund
Donation protected
“The Journey of a Lifetime”
More than 12 years ago Eric was inspired by the motto “The Journey of a Lifetime” of Bike and Build, a service-oriented nonprofit that raises money and awareness for the affordable housing cause, and rode his bicycle from Virginia to Oregon, working with Habitat for Humanity in communities across the country. Along the way he developed a passion for biking, fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, found his niche in life in forestry, but most importantly, the journey led him to find his soulmate, Megan. Together their journey ultimately took them to Port Angeles, WA where they settled comfortably to raise their kids, Calvin and Chloe. Their life’s journey took an unexpected turn on November 7, 2018, when Eric was involved in a serious bicycle accident commuting home from work.
He was air lifted to the ICU of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The doctors put him in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator while they monitored him closely for brain swelling and internal bleeding. Fortunately, there was no damage to his spine, but he did fracture 2 vertebrae in his neck, as well as bones around his eye. The fractured vertebrae and facial bones will heal on their own and he will not need surgery. Even though he was wearing a helmet, he suffered a traumatic brain injury. His MRI showed a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) that happens when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull and the long connecting fibers are sheered as the brain accelerated and decelerated inside the skull at impact.
After 5 days in the ICU, they transferred him to an Acute Care room. Once he was conscious, he was able to respond to commands such as “wriggle your right toe” and, “give me a thumbs-up”, but had difficulty communicating verbally. With each day, he is getting stronger and making huge strides toward his recovery. He recognizes family, is able to move his arms and legs and is now able to eat on his own. He is working on communicating verbally and, at times, is able to say things with clarity. We were relieved when the head of neurosurgery said that he expected that Eric would be able to make a full recovery. It will just take time. They admitted him to the Trauma Rehab on November 16th where he began 3 weeks of intense physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
The goal is for him to successfully complete rehab in Seattle so he can return to Port Angeles and continue his treatment there. The entire Davis family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends, near and far. Many have asked how they can help support Eric, Megan and the kids. We created this Go Fund Me to give people an opportunity to help with the expenses associated with the logistics and challenges of Eric’s treatment, especially for the next couple of weeks in Seattle.
On behalf of the extended Davis family, thank you for your support for Megan and the kids and for the positive healing vibes as Eric embarks on what undoubtedly will be the hardest journey of his life.
This time has been especially difficult for Megan and the kids. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and it is not possible for Megan to reply to every inquiry she is receiving directly. We ask that people give Megan and the kids the time, space, and privacy they need during this difficult time. Please check back to this site for updates rather than reaching out to Megan directly (unless she reaches out to you, of course!). We will do our best to do weekly updates on this site to keep you informed of Eric’s progress.
More than 12 years ago Eric was inspired by the motto “The Journey of a Lifetime” of Bike and Build, a service-oriented nonprofit that raises money and awareness for the affordable housing cause, and rode his bicycle from Virginia to Oregon, working with Habitat for Humanity in communities across the country. Along the way he developed a passion for biking, fell in love with the Pacific Northwest, found his niche in life in forestry, but most importantly, the journey led him to find his soulmate, Megan. Together their journey ultimately took them to Port Angeles, WA where they settled comfortably to raise their kids, Calvin and Chloe. Their life’s journey took an unexpected turn on November 7, 2018, when Eric was involved in a serious bicycle accident commuting home from work.
He was air lifted to the ICU of Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The doctors put him in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator while they monitored him closely for brain swelling and internal bleeding. Fortunately, there was no damage to his spine, but he did fracture 2 vertebrae in his neck, as well as bones around his eye. The fractured vertebrae and facial bones will heal on their own and he will not need surgery. Even though he was wearing a helmet, he suffered a traumatic brain injury. His MRI showed a diffuse axonal injury (DAI) that happens when the brain rapidly shifts inside the skull and the long connecting fibers are sheered as the brain accelerated and decelerated inside the skull at impact.
After 5 days in the ICU, they transferred him to an Acute Care room. Once he was conscious, he was able to respond to commands such as “wriggle your right toe” and, “give me a thumbs-up”, but had difficulty communicating verbally. With each day, he is getting stronger and making huge strides toward his recovery. He recognizes family, is able to move his arms and legs and is now able to eat on his own. He is working on communicating verbally and, at times, is able to say things with clarity. We were relieved when the head of neurosurgery said that he expected that Eric would be able to make a full recovery. It will just take time. They admitted him to the Trauma Rehab on November 16th where he began 3 weeks of intense physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
The goal is for him to successfully complete rehab in Seattle so he can return to Port Angeles and continue his treatment there. The entire Davis family is thankful for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends, near and far. Many have asked how they can help support Eric, Megan and the kids. We created this Go Fund Me to give people an opportunity to help with the expenses associated with the logistics and challenges of Eric’s treatment, especially for the next couple of weeks in Seattle.
On behalf of the extended Davis family, thank you for your support for Megan and the kids and for the positive healing vibes as Eric embarks on what undoubtedly will be the hardest journey of his life.
This time has been especially difficult for Megan and the kids. The outpouring of support has been overwhelming and it is not possible for Megan to reply to every inquiry she is receiving directly. We ask that people give Megan and the kids the time, space, and privacy they need during this difficult time. Please check back to this site for updates rather than reaching out to Megan directly (unless she reaches out to you, of course!). We will do our best to do weekly updates on this site to keep you informed of Eric’s progress.
Co-organizers (5)
Alyson Booher
Organizer
Port Angeles, WA
Megan Davis
Beneficiary
Paul Davis
Co-organizer
Janice Davis
Co-organizer
Bonnie DeMoss
Co-organizer