Support Tavi's Recovery

A parent's worst nightmare transpired when four-year-old Tavi, was struck by a car in Missoula on Thursday, June 6th, while running across the street to the park. The car was going 25-35 miles an hour. His injuries are severe, and he was life flighted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Spokane. He has various injuries, but the biggest concern is his head injury. He has opened his eyes a few times, but they are waiting to see longer periods of waking with more awareness and purposeful movements. He is breathing on his own.

Tavi has a huge personality in a little body. Precocious, with a vocabulary beyond his years, he is a great story teller. He loves to tell jokes, read books, entertain others, and be a ham in general. A budding chef, he loves to cook with his dad. He loves to dance and sing, and has been known to start family dance parties at 8am. He is skilled at making his little brother, Calvin, laugh. He enjoys making his parents proud by cleaning something, getting his clothes on by himself, and other acts of independence. His humor, giggle, and joy for life make him stand out in the crowd, bringing smiles and joy to those around him. He has just finished preschool and was looking forward to summer fun with family in Missoula.

Tavi has responsible, loving, and attentive parents. His mother, Katie, is a Special Education Teacher. His Father, Tyce, is a veteran and a Communications Manager with the Forest Service. They both grew up in Missoula.

The journey ahead for this family is daunting. The Velde family is going to need help with expenses related to medical bills, childcare, housing and food near the hospital, and absences from work.

This is one of those horrific accidents that reminds any parent that it could happen to you. This situation involves really good parents, a wonderful child, and a law-abiding driver. On a normal summer day, when adults are doing what they are supposed to, this can still happen to normal good people. To really caring people.

Most parents can imagine a weekend trip to the park, and the chaos that comes with getting kids and sunscreen out of the car. We can all imagine our four-year-old making an impulsive reaction to run at something exciting. Few can imagine what this family is going through, but we all can imagine that if we were in that situation, we would need A LOT of support. Let's come together to help lift the financial burden of this horrific event, so Tavi and his family can focus on healing. No donation is too small.

Updates to follow.