Help Samuel Miller Heal and Rebuild After a Tragic Accident

WAIT, WHAT HAPPENED TO SAMUEL?

On the evening of December 24th, 2024, our beloved Samuel Miller was in a devastating single car accident on Highway 17 while driving his friend back to Santa Cruz from the San Jose Airport. The truck was totaled, and Samuel suffered a cracked skull, subdural hematoma, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). He received two staples in his head and was held in the hospital overnight before being released into the care of his housemates. Now, he's at home, healing and resting, surrounded by a community that loves him. His housemates and friends are helping with everything from meds to food, self-care, and monitoring symptoms for complications.

HEALING FROM A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Recovering from a TBI is a long and complex journey. It often involves physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Samuel will need support from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to address the various physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts of his injury. The goal is to improve his daily functioning and independence, but the recovery process can be lengthy and may require significant adjustments to his lifestyle and routines. As he is still in the early stages of recovery, the full scope of his rehabilitation needs has yet to be determined.

OTHER COSTS FROM THE ACCIDENT

The accident left Samuel with more than just medical challenges. His truck, which he had just spent $5000 on for repairs, smog, and registration, is now totaled and impounded, accruing daily charges until he can have it removed and towed to a junkyard. Since his car wasn't insured, all these costs will be out-of-pocket. On top of this, Samuel will be unable to work and earn money for the foreseeable future, yet his rent, bills, and general cost of living will continue to pile up.

WHO IS SAMUEL?

Samuel is a fiery shining star, an integral part of our Santa Cruz community. He works two jobs: one as the market manager for Blue Heron Farms and the other in an administrative role for the local nonprofit, the Santa Cruz Hub for Sustainable Living, which supports projects like the Bike Church, the Fabrica, and SubRosa. Samuel is also a passionate musician, playing music with many friends and involved in various musical projects such as playing for square dances, his sad country solo project, the Decomposers, and Synth Raven. When he's not working or making music, you can find him playing Risk on his phone or tabletop games with his friends, or dog-sitting for his pals.

WHERE WILL MY MONEY BE GOING?

Your generous donations will help cover:

-Additional medical costs

-Rent

-Food

-Bills

-Impoundment fees

-Towing fees

-Costs for a new vehicle

Samuel's journey to recovery will be long and challenging, but with your support, we can ease some of the financial burdens and help him focus on healing. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a huge difference. Let's come together as a community and show Samuel the love and support he needs during this difficult time.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.