One Step At A Time: Christopher Kelly's TBI Fight

On September 30th, our family was blindsided with the news that our brother, Christopher Kelly, was involved in a head on collision from a wrong-way driver while traveling on the interstate near Post Falls, Idaho. Both drivers were transferred from the scene to Kootenai County Medical with critical injuries. Unfortunately, the other driver lost their life. Our hearts go out to the family and their loved ones during this tragic time. The miracle was that Chris was still alive and given a chance to fight for his own life.

He was placed in a medically induced coma as doctors identified that he had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) along with a broken femur and a broken jaw. Successful jaw and femur surgeries were performed over the next few days while he was still in a coma. Neurologists determined that there was a significant amount of shearing to his brain and no conclusion on if or when he would wake up from this.

As a family, we waited and prayed for Chris to show some life. Ten days after the accident, he opened his eyes. He was awake! We knew that God had answered our prayers and more importantly blessed Chris with more life to live.

Joe Sr. said it best: “This, in itself, is remarkable! Not a person who was involved with the accident in some way from EMTs, to the tow truck driver, state investigator, etc., or who has seen the wreckage via pictures (his doctors and nurses) can believe Chris was pulled out of his car alive. In fact, the head doctor overseeing Christopher's treatment put it best when he stood over Chris with his hand on Christopher's head and said, "Clearly, the Lord has some other plan for Chris.”

These last 75 days have been filled with uncertainty and hope as only time will truly show the extent of Chris’ recovery. He truly has to “re-learn” most things he would do every day from walking to communicating. Expressing communication, especially verbally, has been the toughest part for him as he has only strung together a few words. Fortunately, there are amazing therapists and doctors that will guide him through his physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Additionally, Chris has shown a HUGE positive response when his family is around him. He literally lights up when a sibling walks into the room or a FaceTime comes in from a nephew or niece. Our clan truly has come together to support one another and to be there for our Christopher. It’s also been remarkable to watch how Joe, Andrea & Wendy specifically have navigated this hardship together. Everyone is in Chris’ fight and truly believe that he will make a remarkable recovery.

We are fundraising to help Chris and his family help pay for the incredibly costly expenses incurred after this accident. With a very minimal total being covered by insurance, the rest of his bills will need to be paid for out of pocket. This includes hospital fees, medical bills, doctor and surgeon fees, etc. Additionally, the rehabilitation chapter will be the most instrumental in Chris’ recovery. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy will be intensive and intentional, as TBIs need specific professionals and care. Again, his road to recovery will be a long journey, but we all fully believe that he will one day be living the life he imagined for himself.

On behalf of the Kelly family, we truly want to thank you all for your love, support and prayers during this difficult time. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and will be used for all medical, rehabilitation costs, and any related expenses. Additionally, sharing this page will help immensely! Thank you all for supporting CK!

“One step at a time, bud!” We love you and we are here to support you during the hardest fight of your life.