Support Elijah's Journey to Recovery

Help Support Elijah's Recovery

My name is Shawnie, and I am the mother of 17-year-old Elijah Diallo.

In October 2024, my son Elijah was tragically and unintentionally shot in the head while walking home from school in a drive-by shooting. By the grace of God, prayer, and unwavering faith, Elijah survived. However, he now faces a long and challenging road to recovery due to his traumatic brain injury.

After spending three months receiving exceptional care at The University of Cincinnati and The Children's Medical Center, Elijah has finally been released from the hospital to continue his rehabilitation at home. While I am beyond grateful to have my son alive, this journey has placed an immense financial burden on our family. I have been unable to work for the past three months while caring for Elijah, and we now need essential adaptive equipment to ensure his comfort, safety, and progress at home.

For Elijah’s home care and medical needs, additional adaptive equipment can help improve his mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life during recovery. Here are some recommendations based on common needs for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries and mobility challenges:

How You Can Help

To support Elijah’s recovery, we need assistance in obtaining vital home modifications and medical equipment, including:

Wheelchair ramp – to allow for safe and easy entry into our home.

Shower bench – to assist with seated bathing, eliminating the need for an expensive walk-in shower.

Grab bars – to provide stability in the shower, near steps, and by the toilet.

Raised toilet seat with arms – to make transferring on and off the toilet easier and safer.

Hoyer Lift (Patient Lift) – Assists caregivers in safely transferring Elijah from bed to wheelchair, reducing strain and injury risk.

Gait Belt – Provides support for assisted standing and walking.

Standing Frame – Encourages weight-bearing and improves circulation during rehabilitation.

Roll-in Shower Chair – A waterproof, wheeled chair for easy shower access.

Non-Slip Bath Mats – Prevents falls and enhances bathroom safety.

Speech-to-Text Device or Communication Board – If Elijah has difficulty speaking, these tools help him express his needs.

Memory Aids (Whiteboards, Digital Assistants, or Timers) – Helps with reminders and cognitive support.

Smart Home Devices (Voice-Controlled Lights & Door Openers) – Makes daily tasks easier and more accessible.

Portable Ramps (for Steps Inside the Home) – In addition to the main wheelchair ramp, small ramps for indoor thresholds can be helpful.

Door Widening or Offset Hinges – Expands entryways for easier wheelchair access.Every Donation Makes a Difference!

Any amount you can give—big or small—will make a huge impact in helping Elijah regain his independence and ease our family’s financial strain during this difficult time. Your generosity, prayers, and support mean the world to us.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support.