Stephen Vesely Recovery from Motorcycle Accident

UPDATE (5) (12/1/23): WE HAVE A LOT OF GOOD NEWS TO SHARE!

Location: Stephen was moved to an acute rehabilation center at the time of my last update. Since then, he has moved to Encompass Health where he will receive hours of intense rehab daily. He has only been there a couple days but is settling in and participating in all they have to offer. Due to the amount of energy and effort it takes him to participate in the extensive rehabilation, the visiting hours are limited. With the uptick of the flu, covid, and RSV, we hope you understand that it is in Stephen's best interests to keep visitors to family at this time. We will continue to post updates on his progress.

Details: So many of you have asked about things I feel like we haven't addressed very well. So, here it goes...Stephen is alert, eyes open, speaks clearly, can read the signs in the room, recognizes family members and Ayden. With that said, he has times of confusion. He has no sense of time when it comes to the number of days in the hospital, has a difficult time recalling details of the accident, and cannot make medical decisions on his own at this time.

Although this seems like it has gone on for an eternity, we are ONLY at the two- month mark. Stephen has shown so much progress and has come such a long way; however, he has a very long road ahead of him. We feel the love and thank you for praying, calling, and texting to get an update on "Ves." Your support means everything!

With that, we feel that it is time to close the gofundme account. WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH for your generosity and support during this time.

UPDATE (4) (11/7/23): We know it's been a couple weeks since last we posted, but we wanted to be SURE we would have all good news to share! Stephen has made progress, albeit baby steps, but PROGRESS. We are over the moon to report that Stephen was moved on Sunday to a rehab facility that will provide many types of therapy. We have witnessed Stephen's progress and are hopeful this facility will aid even further in Stephen's recovery. Due to the amount of energy it takes to participate in therapy, he needs his rest; therefore, we are still requesting only immediate family visit with him. We will be sure to keep posting the updates to keep everyone included in his victories, no matter how big or small.

Since so many of you text, message, call, etc., to check on Stephen, I had an idea recently to message him! If you would like to participate... In lieu of sending a card, please go to his Facebook page and leave a comment, sentiment, prayer, or well wishes. We will read them to him and relay all of your posts! I'm sure he would love hearing your messages and knowing how many of you truly care about him and support him.

UPDATE (3) (10/17/23): I apologize for the time between updates; however, Stephen has had many ups and downs. We have good news to share! Stephen has beat the odds and is breathing on his own. He has been moved out of the trauma unit. Doctor said there is a lot of hope here! Stephen has followed verbal commands. At this point, it is a waiting game for Stephen to open his eyes. (I must apologize. In my last update, I lead some to believe that he had opened his eyes.) Once he is able to open his eyes, he will be assessed further by the team of doctors. Our family wants to thank you for the texts, calls, and prayers. We appreciate the daily reminders of how much Stephen is loved. Continue to pray!

UPDATE (2): We are overwhelmed with your generosity. With that I am beyond thrilled to share some good news from the family: staff will begin to wean Stephen off of the ventilator. Baby steps here. Please, please continue to pray for Stephen!

Update (1): Our hearts are FULL...we had to raise the goal. We CANNOT thank each of you enough. Please continue to share.

As you may or may not know, our family has experienced an unexpected tragedy. Stephen Vesely, 49, was in a traumatic motorcycle accident on October 2, 2023, when he collided with an SUV. He was taken by helicopter from the scene to a Pittsburgh, PA, trauma center. The accident resulted in a severe brain injury, loss of his left leg, broken ribs, and other internal injuries. He has undergone several critical surgeries but has yet to regain consciousness. As you can imagine, not only will he require an extended hospital stay, he has an extremely long road to recovery. We are not giving up hope.

For those of you that are not lucky enough to know Stephen personally, Stephen is the father of an adorable 9-year-old son, Ayden. Stephen is a fiancé, son, brother, nephew, cousin, co-worker, dog-dad, and friend to so many.

As our family is still processing the unimaginable tragedy, we have been asked by many of you how you can help. Stephen as well as his fiancée will be out of work during his recovery. As you can imagine, the sudden loss of income has taken a toll.

We are seeking to raise funds/accept contributions for their living expenses to be paid so as to alleviate the financial burden during the time he is hospitalized and future care. All donations will go directly to this cause.

Your messages, support, and overwhelming prayers have gotten us thus far. If you are unable to donate, please share to reach as many of Stephen’s supporters as possible.

He will be forever grateful knowing so many people care so much for him.

Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions.