Support Darrell Graves' Journey to Recovery

Click 'READ MORE' below to learn about Darrell's Story

Darrell’s difficult journey began in February 2024, after the surgical removal of a tumor located on his pituitary gland. The procedure was performed through his nose in order to access the base of his skull. Several weeks following the surgery, Darrell sustained a severe brain injury after his neurosurgeon ordered the insertion of a feeding tube to allow for nutrition. In attempting to place the feeding tube through Darrell’s nose and down into his stomach, a nurse negligently inserted the tube upwards through the surgical site and into his brain. The nurse continued advancing the tube into Darrell’s brain, causing substantial injuries that have caused several permanent and debilitating impairments to Darrell.

As a result of the incident and resulting injuries and impairments, Darrell has required numerous surgeries and intensive health care. The damage to Darrell’s brain caused by the negligent feeding tube placement left him minimally responsive and unalert for several months while he was hospitalized in ICU. He was able to make some intermittent and partial progress over time because of the advocacy of his family and because of their relentless desire to see him recover. Darrell’s resilience and strength were demonstrated as he made some limited progress his doctors doubted would be possible.

After an extended and very difficult initial hospitalization, Darrell was admitted into a rehab facility to re-learn how to walk, talk, and engage in activities of daily living. Against his family’s requests, Darrell was prematurely released from the inpatient rehab facility to his home. Darrell promptly developed neurological regression and was readmitted to a hospital within one day of his release from the rehab facility.

Since February 2024, Darrell has been a patient in several hospitals as he encountered new obstacles and fought for his life. In September 2024, he was seen at Cleveland Clinic for additional testing and second opinions. Darrell’s journey to recovery is far from over. Due to the severity and uniqueness of Darrell’s injuries, he will require long-term care to improve his cognitive and physical functioning.

Darrell is a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend cherished by all who know him. He was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana, a place he proudly calls home. He is a man who can effortlessly make others laugh and who always ensures that those he loves are cared for unconditionally.

To know Darrell is to know his love of sports. Darrell is a proud alumnus of Murray State University. He was a starting pitcher for the Racers in the 1980s. In 1984, Darrell led the team with six complete games and pitched a team-high 59.2 innings with a 4.22 ERA. His greatest love was serving as a coach for the various sports teams on which his children participated. Darrell is an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Golden State Warriors.

The immediate family of Darrell has started this donation page to support the substantial and expensive efforts for his recovery. The type of specialized care that Darrell requires is expensive, and much of the cost will not be covered by health insurance. Specifically, the family will need to make accessibility accommodations within Darrell’s home to help assist in his daily functioning. He will also require intensive long-term rehab in support of his recovery.

We are reaching out to ask for your support for Darrell. One hundred percent of all donations received will go directly towards Darrell’s rehabilitation and recovery. Your generosity means the world to us and will help ensure that Darrell receives the health care he needs to maximize his recovery.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Your love and support are invaluable.

With gratitude,

The family of Darrell Graves