Medical, Physical, Cognitive and Speech therapy

My name is Josiah Oates, and in October of 2021, I was in a near-fatal car accident that severely impacted my life. On that night, I was driving home from a successful job interview in Renton off or I-5 South then to I-705 S when a car drove right into me in the wrong direction. I learned after my accident that the driver had previously hit a city bus in downtown Tacoma and took the off-ramp onto the freeway in the wrong direction. The car was black, the headlights were off, and we were driving in the pouring torrential rain, in the dark. Unfortunately, the woman was in my lane, going straight at me while I was driving around 65 mph. It was a head-on collision, and my truck and her sedan were totaled.

When our vehicles collided, I lost consciousness. Once I came to, I noticed the airbags deployed and hit my head pretty hard. I turned my truck off, called 911, walked over to the crumpled car, and helped the woman shut her engine off. Then we got on the shoulder of the interstate as both of our vehicles were smoking and leaking fluids. We waited for first responders on the shoulder of the interstate while I began photographing and texting my new boss.

I was taken to the hospital and had ct scans and x-rays of my whole body. Since my accident, I have been unable to work due to ongoing health issues relating to my car accident. My neurologist has recommended that I start cognitive brain therapy due to a possible Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) because of the accident. My scans have shown that I have an annular tear to my discs between my L5, L4, and S1. I see a chiropractor, physical therapist, and massage therapist biweekly to ease the pain. Additionally, I will be starting counseling soon, as this has taken a toll on my mental health.

However, I find myself incapable of doing this on my own; I need help. I have not been able to work in seven months. My doctors are recommending treatments that Medicaid unfortunately will not cover. The community is where I hope for some aid. Thank you to everyone who has already supported me throughout this time, and thank you to those who choose to now. I understand this is a challenging time for everyone, and I know many are in need. I greatly appreciate the time you spent reading my story, and I hope you pass this link along for others to read. I am truly humbled and grateful for your ongoing support.

I’m asking for whatever help you can afford while I search for flexible at home employment and continue therapy. Thank you.