Mug's TBI Recovery Fund

During the early hours of April 21, 2024 my loving partner Mug (Andrew/AJ/Drew) was the victim of a near fatal hit-and-run as a pedestrian on Gray's Ave in Philadelphia. He sustained multiple injuries including a fractured pelvis, ruptured bladder, a torn ACL and meniscus, road rash, but most concernedly a severe traumatic brain injury which left him in critical condition. His family, loved ones, and I are devastated by this tragedy but the fact that he survived and continues to fight is not only a testament to his strength and will but has also personally given me a new outlook on life — a philosophy that he already lived by, of never taking a single moment for granted.

Mug spent the first two weeks following the accident in the TSICU at Penn Presbyterian Hospital undergoing multiple surgeries and spent most of that time in a medically induced coma pending the swelling/bleeding in his brain and his reliance on the ventilator. As of Saturday, May 4, 2024 he was released from the ICU in a minimally conscious state to continue inpatient treatment at Penn for his physical injuries in order to get him stable enough to be moved to an acute inpatient rehabilitation facility specializing in TBI. He has yet to be placed, but it’s important that we urgently get him the best care possible so he'll be able to live the long, happy, healthy live he deserves.

Mug has made incredible progress in the few weeks since this all began, but his path to recovery will be a long and expensive journey and TBIs are notoriously unpredictable. Typically the costs for treatment for a TBI of this magnitude can be a staggering sum of anywhere from $85,000 to $3 million and can last months to years. This will include medical bills, inpatient rehabilitation followed by outpatient rehabilitation, in-home care and medical equipment, occupational and speech therapies to regain his cognitive abilities, and he’ll need additional outpatient surgeries and physical therapy in order to gain mobility due to his leg injuries. He was uninsured at the time of the accident.

If you’ve ever shared a space with Mug, you know how his smile can light up a room. He’s one of the most easy-going, personable, and effortlessly kind people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing and he’s changed my life for the better in every imaginable way. He is the sweetest partner, a devoted family member and cherished friend to many, a talented musician, and an adoring dog dad. He works hard at everything he does and strives to always have a positive mindset. He has an inspiring passion for music, movies, comedy, World of Warcraft, anime, aggressive inline skating, skateboarding, working out, and life in general. He finds a way to make me laugh and spark joy in my heart even on the darkest days, including and especially now.

Please consider donating whatever you can to help us get Mug the care that he needs and keep positive thoughts and prayers for him during this difficult time. I will provide as many updates as possible throughout the process.