Support Jace's Recovery

Hello Everyone!

Thank you in advance for taking the time to seriously consider donating to this family. This GoFundMe is not for myself, but for a very good friend of mine which is going through a very difficult season of life right now.

Samantha, AKA, Sammie, and Brett, have chosen careers in which they give back to the community in many ways. Sammie is a Combat Veteran and a Physical Therapist, who strongly advocates for, and supports patients with neurological disorders, choosing this as her specialty and became certified for it. Brett is a Firefighter, who literally is putting his life on the line daily. These two could not be a more beautiful, loving and giving couple who now need their community in return.

In the middle of October, Sammie and Brett were celebrating the excitement of expecting a new little one coming in the Spring 2025. A mere 2 weeks later, On Friday, Nov 1, 2024, a new season of life began for them which was traumatically unexpected. 2 of their children, Jace (9yo) and Karissa (13yo), had been coming home from a football game that Jace had been practicing for and they had chosen to help some friends of theirs safely cross the street before crossing back to return home themselves. This is the kindness these children expressed daily. They were able to safely escort their friends, however, when they went to return across the road, they were struck by a vehicle. Both children, Karissa (13yo) and Jace (9yo) were hit and while Karissa sustained fairly mild injuries, her brother, Jace, was not so lucky.

The unimaginable fear, panic, pain and grief Sammie has felt tending to her nearly lifeless child (as she was first on scene prior to paramedics) is something no parent should go through and will live with her forever. Paramedics arrived and tended to him – taking him to Virginia Piper Pediatric ICU. He has sustained multiple injuries, but most notably are 2 brain bleeds, severe TBI with concussion and intracranial pressure which is currently significantly affecting his cognition and brain function with memory, speech, word association and several other areas. His vision is affected and he is unable to focus. As stated, these are just SOME of the findings. However, he is a fighter and is working hard to improve daily.

Prior to this, Jace loved playing sports and was in the middle of his football season with his team, The Vikings, and he was in CrossFit at d1 where he loved to train for football. He enjoyed participating in benefits/runs for benefits, playing with friends, helping others, being outside, going to school and just having fun! It is undetermined -I won’t say if, but rather WHEN he will be able to return to any of this at this time.

Meanwhile, Karissa is awaiting surgery to address aggressive onset scoliosis which has progressed so rapidly and severely – she will be having surgery at Christmas.

In light of all of these events, Sammie will not be working for at least the next couple of months as she cares for her child(ren) and specifically right now, being by Jace’s side every step of the way. They have been blessed by family/friends/colleagues providing meals and assistance at home caring for the other children whilst she is away with Jace and Brett is having to work. However, they are in need of monetary assistance as well. These funds will be used to cover monthly bills and mortgage costs as well as further medical bills and/or counseling which may not be paid through insurance. Once Jace is allowed to re-acclimate to school, he will require additional assistance and care, specifically after school and specifically by a qualified skilled healthcare provider to keep him safe and well-monitored.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of donation and support to this deserving family. Every dollar counts and helps, no matter how big or how small. If you are unable to donate monetarily, we ask that you please lift this family, and specifically Jace, up in prayer. Lastly, we ask that you share this story and cause with others, to even better help this family in need. Thank you.