Better Medical Equipment

My name is Kila Brooks.  I have 4 children,  3 sons ages 34, 24, 20 and a daughter age 30. On Sept 23, 2013, my son, Daryl,  was carjacked.  He was shot in the back and then run over with the car.

This crime left my son with  sustained, serious injuries, of  permanent disabilty,  Tetraplegia at the level of C-4/C-5, sp respiratory failure, ventilator dependency, trach, pacemaker and peg.  All of this requires 24 hour care.

Mr. Akins was in several hospitals for 9 months.  Many of the hospitals where he was treated were under staffed  and  I spent each day in the hospital with him.  I even spent nights wth him.  I quit my job, lost my home  and moved back up North. I felt  I needed to bring my son home where he  could receive constant, undivided care and I have been trained in this type of care. ( Most important he needed me as his Mother and friend).

It's so hard to get the State of IL to make sure Daryl has the equipment he needs for his daily care and  to get him up out of bed. He is a happy, positive young man even in these circumstances.  Anyone who comes in contact with Daryl,  just seems to fall in love with his attitude and spirit.

The needs Daryl has are expensive for me. I've gone  through my savings caring for him.   The state only pays 8 hours a day for me to take care of him.  I use some of that money to pay others to come in to help me care for him.  This also gives Daryl a chance to interact with someone beside me  and I can rest as well.

I ask for help in buying a Hoyer Lift ( Automatic) which would replace a manual one that is so hard for me to use.  A better medical bed (Automatic ).  will help me lift the bed better to transport him or clean him.   A medical van to help transport him around to appointments.

I thank everyone who took their time  to read about my son and we appreciate any help you may be able to give.   Help me keep my son home!