Faith’s memory, Norm’s Recovery

It’s an absolute tragedy and nightmare of a situation, but my best friend and first cousin Norman was driving home from a night out with his pregnant wife, Faith, and their 2-year-old son Elijah, on Saturday, Aug 12th, 2023 when their car was struck on the passenger side by another vehicle going 85 mph, fleeing from the cops for driving without insurance. Faith and her unborn child did not survive the crash, God rest their souls. Elijah and Norman, however, did miraculously survive. Elijah suffered fractured ribs and lacerated organs, but is expected to make a full recovery, Thank God! Norman, on the other hand, was rushed to the hospital, where he remains intubated and in critical condition. We’re all praying that he pulls through this without any brain damage, and we are asking everyone to pray that he makes a full recovery so he can be there for his son.

We appreciate the amount of love, prayers, and support that has been demonstrated since the news broke. We’re all going through some really tough times as we learn how to accept and cope with the reality on our hands. If anyone would like to further extend their support with donations for Faith’s legacy, Norman and Eli and their recovery, or their families, I know that it would be immensely appreciated.

Thank you all again for your prayers and support, let’s stay positive! God bless.

UPDATES:

8/13/2024: it’s been a year since the accident, and Faith just had her first heavenly birthday. Norm now has a vehicle for transportation, so he’s getting out of the house a lot more, which he’s definitely enjoying. Not a ton of progress physically, although he’s recently been able to rotate his ankle and even move his shoulders a bit. He continues to work on his recovery through therapy, and we are all still

staying positive, hoping and praying that he continues to heal to get his strength and voice back.

4/1/2024: Norm is now back at home, with his family taking care of him, and therapists coming to the house for his rehab. He still is not talking or moving much, but we have seen small signs of improvements recently, so we are still hopeful that with the right people and motivation, he can still make some decent progress on his recovery. Please continue to pray for Norm and his family, and stay positive!

1/5/2024: Norm has FINALLY been accepted to the Rehab Institute of Michigan (RIM), a DMC affiliate, at the main campus in Detroit. He was admitted yesterday, and will continue his rehab there for the next several weeks. Please continue to pray, stay positive, and visit him to lift his spirits. Visiting hours are from 11am-6pm.

12/14/23: Norm has been moved to Rainbow Rehabilitation Center in Farmington Hills. He will spend at least 3 months there, with the hope that he gets approved for another 3 months after. Visiting hours are from 9am to 9pm. His smile is getting bigger, and he has even been able to produce some sounds on occasion. The next big milestone for him is to pass a swallow test. Please continue to stay positive and pray for his continued healing and progress!

11/27/23: Norman's time at Mary Free Bed is almost up, expected to conclude on December 13th. He has made some considerable progress during his time there, but his rehab was hindered multiple times by infections, fevers, COVID...etc. His cognition, memory, and mental seem to be fully intact, as he is able to correctly respond to questions with eye motion and even head nodding, and uses the same methods to ask questions and communicate. He has even shown signs of cracking a smile recently!! However, he is still unable to walk, talk, or move any major muscle in his body.

The next step is to transfer him to another facility to continue his rehab, as the first 12 months after a traumatic brain injury are the most critical to his eventual quality of life! He has been accepted at Detroit RIM and Shirley Ryan in Chicago. However, his insurance is denying him coverage this time, meaning wherever we take him next will be out of pocket. His hospital and medical bills to date are already north of $1 Million, and with future rehab being out of pocket, we expect that number to grow considerably.

PSA: some of the funds have already been dispersed and used for medical bills, funeral expenses, house payments... etc.

9/20/23: Norm has been accepted at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids, one of the best facilities in the country, and will be transferred on Thursday, 9/21. Rehab will start immediately at 4-6 hours per day, and will ramp up as he’s able to handle more. Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers, let’s all continue to stay positive!!! LETS GO Norm!!! #KHN #FKG

9/6/23: Norm is still in the ICU, but continues to show slow, but good signs of progress on his recovery. It’s going to be a long, arduous road back, but the first 12-24 months of rehabilitation are extremely important and will dictate a lot going forward. That being said, we want to make sure we get him to the best rehab facility possible, as soon as possible, to make sure he has the best chances of being back in FULL capacity for Eli. These facilities are generally very expensive though, so we really need all the help we can get. If you could find it in your generous hearts to donate any amount, we would be very grateful. If not, we ask that you please share this page, and more than anything continue to pray for Norman’s FULL recovery. It takes a village, we need all the prayers and support we can get! We are so thankful for all of your donations, prayers and words of encouragement. God bless you all!

8/15/23: Elijah has been discharged and is back home in the loving arms of family.

Faith's memorial services are arranged and details can be found here.

https://memorials.mercyfunerals.com/faith-gumma/5253654/index.php?_gl=1%2A1ba0m21%2A_ga%2ANjM1NjMxMzMzLjE2OTIwNTM2Njc.&_ga=2.164795327.1855474159.1692053667-635631333.1692053667&fbclid=PAAaZWvxhEwfrl08RkNCUok9B_dk9FROBDFcV3grxNpAsbl0A8yPeyht_uFJs_aem_ASqn3a3dcDhS5In-t1bD3DLQWktyIkg6DWmnj8lpSrM2MFFbmnVfFogTCKDGh0X94zU