ALL 4 JO

In February, Krista and JoJo were out walking near their home in Stuart, Florida. In the blink of an eye, a car stuck JoJo. He was airlifted to Lawnwood Trauma Center and underwent an emergency craniectomy to relieve pressure on his brain. JoJo was in a coma and spent 2 weeks in the ICU. He sustained numerous injuries including multiple fractures, a collapsed lung, damage to his liver and spleen, and most seriously a traumatic brain injury. JoJo additionally survived numerous complications resulting from his injuries. His road to recovery has required a lengthy stay at Lawnwood Trauma Center followed by a week at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. He is presently at Brooks Rehabilitation Facility in Jacksonville and continues to receive intense rehabilitative services. A discharge date remains unknown.

 

Although JoJo is progressing well and working hard, his road to recovery is long and further complicated as he has autism and limited language and verbal capabilities. JoJo is 23 years old and his mother, Krista has dedicated her life to ensuring the best for her son. Diagnosed with Autism in 2001, many resources and therapeutic supports that are now available for those with Autism did not exist at the time of he was identified as ASD. In response, Krista dug deep and worked relentlessly to help JoJo learn skills that many of us take for granted. From smiling to learning how to ride a bike, each skill he mastered is a reflection of team work, love, and connection between mother and son.

 

Before the accident JoJo lived a life filled with adventure and activity. From daily walks over local bridges, swimming, biking, surfing, time at the beach and a love for Disney, he knows a supreme quality of life. Each day he continues to progress—in the weeks following the accident JoJo has shown his strength and will to live. He slowly regained the ability to breath and maintain life-supporting functions on his own. He is now able to eat solid foods, sit and is in the very early phases of re-learning how to stand and take steps. It is the hope of his family and friends that he is able to return to his home and that he regains mastery of the skills he had before being hospitalized.

 

Krista, along with her parents (who are also caregivers to Jo) Jacquelyn and Ervin Sadowski, remain dedicated to JoJo and are committed to helping him heal. Their hearts and life revolve around JoJo; until he is once again stable and they can resume their adventures their family will not be whole. There is nothing she and they will not do to help him heal but understand that many challenges await.

 

At present, JoJo requires the use of a wheelchair and the TBI has caused issues to his right side making it difficult for him to complete many skills. He is unable to be left unattended as potential for a fall is real and dangerous. He needs round-the-clock supervision and assistance with all tasks. JoJo’s team at Brooks Rehab are compiling a list of items that will be necessary for him to have upon discharge to ensure a safe and smooth transition home.

 

Krista and JoJo are determined and strong but need help. At this time the total cost of JoJo’s medical care is unknown and any further needs and expenses are yet to be determined. Any contributions made to help the pair will be meaningful and greatly appreciated.

#all4Jo