Let's Get Dave back on the Road... to Recovery

For 29 years Dave was your favorite neighborhood mechanic working at the same garage helping people daily. As a member of the Knights of Columbus Sherman/Shine Council #569 he'd drop what he was doing to help someone day or night, give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, and has always been a stand-up guy. That garage was his second home and a huge part of his life. His love for cars and his dedication to helping people never wavered, even when times got rough.

However, his life was flipped upside down he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident on his motorcycle only a couple of blocks from home. Dave was thrown from the bike and suffered a severe head injury and subsequently a traumatic brain injury that landed him in the ICU for an extended period.

Despite doctors' recommendations for a longer hospital stay and time off work, Dave knew he had a family to take care of and people in the neighborhood and at work were counting on them, as they always have, to return to work if only to address the mounting financial pressures from his lost income and medical bills. Upon returning to work a few weeks after the accident, ready to work, we were absolutely SHOCKED to learn that the owner had decided to fire Dave because of his injury and recent absence. After 29 years of loyal service without severance or any other compensation. Clearly, not the way anyone would want to be treated, especially while recovering from a traumatic accident.

Dave, determined as ever and with an absolutely stellar reputation in the area, secured a new job within a couple of weeks despite grappling with the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The consequences of TBI are complex and debilitating, with effects ranging from persistent headaches and dizziness to problems with memory, concentration, and communication. About 4 weeks or so into his new job, however, a follow-up CAT scan revealed continued bleeding in his brain and he was rushed again to ICU for emergency brain surgery.

Doctors had to create an opening in his skull to alleviate the pressure and insert a drain requiring 19 staples in his head. During the same stay, he underwent a catheter procedure through his inner thigh to remove any potential clots and blockages up into the blood vessels of his brain. Dave's path to recovery is now lined with intensive physical and cognitive therapy sessions, which are essential for helping him regain his full health but add to the financial burden.

In addition, he's been prescribed anti-seizure medication which his insurance isn't covering that costs upwards of $900 for a 30-day supply in addition to numerous CAT scans, MRIs and medical bills not covered by his insurance.

While Dave fights to regain control of his life, the unfortunate reality is that he's lost over two months of income and the doctors say he'll need to recover at least another 4 weeks before they consider clearing him to return to work. Obviously, medical bills and living expenses continue to pile up with his loss of income.

As his brother, I'm unable to help him alone so I am sincerely asking for your help.

Dave and his family rarely, if ever, ask anyone for anything or expected anything in return when he goes out of his way to help those he can.

To support Dave during this challenging time, I've launched this GoFundMe campaign with an initial goal of $7,000.

The funds raised will help with the medical bills and living expenses for Dave and his family during this very difficult time. as he works hard to recover as quickly as possible.

No amount is too small, and each donation will bring Dave one step closer to focusing solely on his healing without the worry of financial strain.

Please consider joining us in standing by Dave during this trying time. If a monetary donation is not possible, sharing this campaign to raise awareness is equally valuable.

Let's show Dave that all the good he's done for others has been appreciated in this world and that he is not alone.

Thank you, from all of our hearts, for your support.