Remembering Braden & Supporting Lucas

On the early evening of November 19th, 2018, what started out as just another Monday, The Stevenson and McWilliams families lives changed forever.   As most of us were beginning our Thanksgiving preparations, Braden Stevenson and Lucas McWilliams were having a good time, hanging out at Braden's Grandmother's house.   The boys had gone into the garage on a mission to find Braden's missing hamster, an early Christmas gift to him from his Grandmother; he was super excited!    As the boys searched the garage and van, a driver traveling down Kirkland Rd (Covington, GA) lost control of their vehicle and crashed head on into the garage.  Braden was on the phone talking about the missing hamster with his father, Youth Pastor Cory Stevenson of Gaither's United Methodist Church, at the exact moment of impact.   The horror of this tragic accident and what Cory heard on the other end of the phone line, as his son instantly became unresponsive, can't be described in words and is beyond a parents worse nightmare.  Sparing the details, Lucas had been run over while Braden was pinned between the vehicle and a wall. Lucas was left in critical condition and was air lifted to Children's Health Care of Atlanta at Egleston.  He had emergency surgery and is scheduled for additional surgeries, the next is set for Thanksgiving day.   We are unaware at this time as to  the details of his condition but we send our love and prayers for a full recovery.   Upon evaluating Braden on the scene, the paramedics gave him a poor prognosis.  Because his heart had already stopped at one point, he was not a candidate for life flight.  He was taken by ambulance to Piedmont Newton Hospital in Covington, GA where he continued to receive care for a short time.  Braden's family was informed shortly after arrival that he had passed away, just over two months after his 12th birthday. In addition to an immeasurable amount of heartache, these two families have incurred a tremendous amount of medical fees, with more to come for the McWilliams family.  In addition, the Stevenson family has the added expense of funeral and memorial services for their youngest child, our beloved Braden Nicolas.   Our community of family and friends have been incredibly loving and supportive during this tragic time of grief.  So many have asked in what ways they can help.  In lieu of flowers and gifts, we ask that you consider contributing to this fund, to help ease the financial burden of these two families, in memory of Braden Stevenson and in support of his friend, Lucas McWilliams. As you gather with your family this Holiday season, hold them close and cherish each moment.  Please continue to send prayers for these two families in the days, weeks and months to come. We also ask that you lift up in prayer the driver of the vehicle, as they too must be facing devastating grief of their own.