Support Gabriel Through Their Leg Amputation

On April 3rd, 2022, Gabriel was walking to the convenience store in Lacey, WA, when they were hit by an uninsured driver. The impact was severe, resulting in air time and immediate emergency surgery. During this surgery, Gabriel experienced extreme life threatening complications and was placed into a coma. When they woke up about a week later, they found themselves with a shattered tibia and fibula held together with a titanium rod and screws. Unfortunately, the rod that was placed bent inside Gabriel's leg, resulting in a second surgery in September of 2022 to replace the rod. A third surgery was then performed in May of 2023 to replace the rod again, this time with a substantially thicker rod and bone grafts. Despite all of these invasive, painful surgeries, Gabriel's tibia hadn't healed at all, with a substantial gap between them. The surgeon described the bones as being a jagged razor edge, unable to connect and 'catch' to heal together. A fourth surgery was performed in November 2023, including more bone grafts and adjusting the screws to encourage growth. At follow-up, Gabriel was presented with a new challenge: infection. While the tiniest bit of growth was visible, the leg could no longer be saved. Gabriel was fast-tracked and had a left leg, below-knee amputation on Thursday, December 21st, 2023.

This entire process has been excruciating, with Gabriel living in non-stop, extreme pain that limits their ability to live their life. Gabriel is a beloved community member, social worker, and father. They can always be counted on to jump into action to support others. Gabriel loves this community wholeheartedly and hopes to use some of their recovery time to continue working towards their MSW degree. They love to read comics, watch comfort shows, take road trips, play with our dogs, ride bikes, ride horses, and, more than anything in the world, play with their beautiful daughters. This life-shattering amputation will allow them to eventually return to those passions and hobbies... but Gabriel will need some help.

My name is Kittanya, and I am raising money on behalf of my partner, Gabriel. Please consider supporting Gabriel as they navigate a leg amputation, relearn how to walk on a prosthetic, and begin to truly heal from this tragic accident that has consumed their life. Funds raised will assist in covering the costs of amputation and hospital stay, the cost and fitting of a prosthetic and wheelchair, and medical costs associated with this life-altering surgery. Gabriel does not have enough hours to qualify for FMLA. Regular updates will be provided. This one is going to take a village. Thank you. <3