The Grimes Family from Fairfield

Hello, We are fundraising to help the Grimes Family cover unforeseen medical costs due to an AVM Rupture***

In March of 2024, late into the evening, while Mom (Kat) was at book club, 9 year old Xristo Grimes was lying in bed about to fall asleep when he heard a loud thump. He called for his father and waited for an answer. Nothing. He called out to his father once more. Again, nothing. Xristo knew something wasn't right and went to investigate. He ran to the bathroom and found his father, Dave Grimes(beloved Fairfield rec sports coach), on the floor, bleeding and unresponsive. At this point he was joined by Yiayia Stella (his grandmother) who was also home. With a little guidance from Yiayia, Xristo kept his cool and called 911. (or nine hundred and eleven as he calls it). He calmly told the 911 operator his address and that his father had fallen and needed help. Xristo's little brother, Declan, kept watch out the front window for the police and paramedics. Dave was quickly brought to the hospital and stabilized. He is now recovering from brain surgery during which they were able to successfully remove the AVM.

Little did Xristo, Yiayia Stella, or Declan know at the time but without their quick thinking and the help of the first responders their father would likely have suffered a far worse fate.

Now as Dave spends all his energy recovering from brain surgery, the family faces mounting hospital bills and deficits from the inability to work. Recovery from an AVM rupture can take anywhere from 2-12 months.

Sometimes there is no safety net in place when life deals you a tough blow. If you are so inclined please donate to this sweet loving family and help them through this trying time.

This can happen to anyone. Luckily Kat and David had prepared their children. Please have a talk with your children about what to do in an emergency and make sure they know how to call 911.

***Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) happen when a group of blood vessels in your body forms incorrectly. In these malformations, arteries and veins are unusually tangled and form direct connections, bypassing normal tissues. This usually happens during development before birth or shortly after. If an AVM in the brain ruptures, it can cause bleeding in the brain, stroke or brain damage.