Jonathan Survived - Help Get Him Strong

I am the proud father of Jonathan Loftin. In partnership with his mom Carolyn, sisters Ashley and Meme, extended family, and numerous friends, we are asking you to consider ways that you can help Jonathan get strong.

When he turned forty in March, Jonathan seemed to be at the top of the world. He loved his job at R2 Rentals, and his excellent performance as Business Development Manager helped the company soar! He was physically strong through his commitment to exercise and eating well. And he was in love with a wonderful woman, Kaytlyn. But after years of sobriety, on July 18, Jonathan slipped. And an accidental overdose changed his life.

On July 19, the hospital staff in Monroe, LA said that Jonathan was hopeless. Almost no one with this type of anoxic brain injury (due to lack of oxygen) makes it to the hospital. If they do, their lives are short and with little meaning. Instead of growing weaker, Jonathan began to get stronger. For example, the doctors had assured us that he would be blind since the vision part of his brain had been so badly damaged. But Jonathan began to recognize faces. He smiled and cried as he was greeted by people who love him. The vent helping him breathe was removed on day twelve. The next day his sister Ashley, got in his face and said, “I love you, Bub.” He shocked us by whispering, “I love you too.” He began to move his head, his hands, and his legs. It was obvious that he was not paralyzed or getting weaker. He was fighting, and God was working one miracle after another.

The doctors and therapists are amazed at his progress and have great expectations that he will continue to advance. We all appreciate his miraculous progress, but we are praying and working for more. Jonathan’s goal is to live independently in Monroe with Kaytlyn, their dog Toby, and their many friends in that community. He also wants to get strong and help others that are facing the types of darkness that he has faced and is facing. Jonathan knows that living independently will take courageous hard work by him and by those around him.

Jonathan’s communication skills, vision, memory, personality, and humor are strong. He is still Jonathan. His body is also strong although several parts of his body are not fully in his control. His neck, core muscles, right hand/arm, and right leg continue to grow in strength and control. His left leg and left arm/hand also move but need much more development. Jonathan cannot yet walk, but he is mastering the skill of piloting his motorized wheelchair – something he looks forward to giving away someday.

Jonathan spent three weeks at St. Francis Hospital ICU in Monroe, and he’s been at Touro Rehab in New Orleans for five weeks. Most of those expenses should be covered by insurers, but Jonathan will have to pay for most of his rehab and medical expenses in the next phase of his recovery. In the next few days, he will move into a top residential neuro transition program in the DFW area. This phase of rehab will involve six hours of rehab per day addressing physical abilities, emotional health, practical skills, and his ongoing recovery work. This phase will help Jonathan prepare to live with as much independence as possible.

After practicing in his wheelchair outside last week, Jonathan took a FaceTime call from his great friend Jimmy in Monroe. When Jimmy commented about Jonathan wearing his sunglasses inside, he immediately replied, “My future’s so bright, I have to wear shades all the time.”

His future is bright, but the road to recovery will take more than Jonathan’s hard work. The cost of the next phase of rehab and medical expenses will average $2,000 to $3,000 per day. The neuro transition programs estimate three to six months of residential treatment for patients with Jonathan’s injuries. His total bill for rehab and medical expenses will likely be over $200,000. This amount is beyond Jonathan’s and our family’s ability.

Jonathan is working hard, and he invites you to join the struggle. Here are three things you can do to help his future be as bright as possible. 1 - Thank God for the miracles we have already seen. 2 - Pray for Jonathan’s total healing and a new ability to serve others. 3 - Consider making a financial donation to help cover some of his medical and rehab costs. If you do any one of these, you’ll be an important part of TEAM JONATHAN. Thank you.