Sam Shankles Support Fund

Ashley and Erica Martin on behalf of Sam and his family are asking for prayers and donations to help relieve some of the emotional and financial stress that's sure to follow Sam's accident.

From Angie, Sam's mom:

Sunday, 3.10.24 6:50am CST

Sam has had good night! There are no changes, except turning down his meds -- this is good. I keep asking for prayer for his brain. This accident was an unbelievably hard hit to his head. He had a brain bleed and has a C-1 fracture. There are so many unknowns. They have him stabilized with a collar. However, they want that blood to absorb and him to be stronger before he has any testing of the brain. We want the Lord to show His touch when those scans occur so that there is no damage and there is ABSOLUTELY NO DOUBT WHO THE TRUE PHYSICIAN IS! Sam is still very sick but he's making progress! I'm trying to keep my posts as accurate & honest as possible. I know rumors are abound, but I'm trying to squelch as many as possible & make sure our prayer warriors know what Sam needs when they intercede on his behalf! Take his name to the Lord this morning in your churches and homes! ❤️

Update 8:45 CST 3.9.24

Sam had an uneventful night, which is good. Either Scot or I are with him around the block. I am staying at night.

Neuro came in early this morning. It was a conversation of some hope. All of Sam's stats are good. They are reducing the sedation some today and may soon remove the bolt that measures pressure on his brain. His brain pressure numbers are and have been very good. Please pray specifically today that he will try breathe on his own over the vent. Also, please pray that there will be no damage from the hemorrhage at his C-1 vertebrae, and that his brain will be perfectly fine when scans are done (I don't when this will occur, but we can pray some preemptive prayers.) Love you all, and thank you so much for flooding heaven on our son's behalf! ❤️

Update 1:30pm CST 3.8.24

1. We are overwhelmed by the response from our pastors, family, friends, and friends of friends in this crisis. I can't adequately convey how grateful we are for the prayers -- far & wide. They are working.

2. Sam is still very critical but stable and hanging in there today. Please pray specifically that the brain bleed will be absorbed without further damage. Also, please pray that there will be no trace of ANY lack of oxygen he may have experienced yesterday during transport. He is in the Lord's hands. Pray that he will be the miracle of the ages, and tell of the Lord's goodness.

Update 12:30am CST 3.8.24

Sam spent several hours in surgery yesterday evening. In speaking with the neuro team late last night, the prognosis is every parent's worst nightmare. I won't go into detail. Just pray for Sam -- for a miraculous recovery!!!! We know God is in the miracle business, and we truly need a miracle. Pray for Scot, Annabelle, me, our extended family, and Sam's friends, who were as close as brothers. This is the darkest day of our lives.

Update 3:15pm CST 3.7.24

Sam in ICU and stable. The prognosis was initially very grim. He has a brain bleed, swelling on brain, and broken C1 vertebrae. The docs drilled a hole in his skull to insert monitor. The nurse just told us his brain pressure was in the normal range. They were expecting much worse. Praise God!

He still has lots of injuries that will need to be addressed. His life is still very delicate. Please continue to pray. May God heal

him and use his life as evidence of His Miraculous Handiwork! Thank you all for storming the gates of heaven with your prayers!

12:00p CST - 3.7.24

Sam had a terrible accident at work this morning. It's easiest to update here. I appreciate everyone's prayers! He is in the air as I type this headed for Erlanger. These are the specifics that I ask you to pray:

Pray that he lives. He's stable but uncertain. Pray that his vitals will hold steady and that he'll wake up & with no brain damage. The main trauma is to his jaw and face and neck; however, he was unconscious. Both lungs are collapsed. Pray there is no damage from being without oxygen after the initial accident. We covet your prayers! Please share this with praying friends and your churches! ❤️