Rebuild Brian's Life After Devastation

On Tuesday, November 19th, tragedy struck when the bomb cyclone that hit the PNW uprooted a tree that fell directly on Brian's tent, where he and his mother had camped for the night due to homelessness. Debbie (64), a loving and devoted mother to Brian, instantly lost her life in this devastating accident. Brian (38) miraculously survived but suffered a devastating spinal injury. Brian was awakened by the cracking of branches and sat up right before the tree fell. This probably saved his life but he suffered a crushed spine. He saw that his Mom was instantly killed as only her hand was visible from beneath the tree. He was able to cut himself free from the tent with a pocket knife and miraculously walked to the road for help. Doctors are amazed that he survived this accident and that he was able to walk. He has since undergone two spine surgeries in which two rods, 8 screws, and spacers between his vertebrae were placed. He will inevitably face a long recovery in which physical therapy and follow up care is needed. It is a miracle that he is alive and walking.

Brian is autistic and has been grappling with the loss of his mother while trying to heal from his injuries, all without a stable home to return to. Brian will need stable housing while he recovers as well as medical support and access to services for future job training and support for autism. I am Brian's aunt, Kerry O'Connor and I am overseeing the withdrawal and management of funds raised for those immediate and future needs for Brian. We are reaching out to our community for support to help him rebuild his life and find a path to stability.