Bring Mason Home
Donation protected
On August 18th, 2008 Mason was training for a triathlon on his bike at Michigan State University and he was hit by a car. He sustained a severe head trauma and was in a coma for five months. Since coming out of the coma and against all odds, he has made remarkable gains. He continues to make gains everyday and all of your support, prayers and energy have helped all of us so much and continue to give us and Mason strength.
But now, 9 years later - Mason needs to come home. From the day his mom got that devastating phone call from the hospital, every waking moment for the Barker family has been about getting him well. Mason was in the hospital for a year and he was never without a family member or close family friend by his side, turning him every two hours, working his muscles so they wouldn't atrophy, and doing everything they could to help him recover. His family was determined that he get the very best care 24 hours a day and that is still their priority. Over the past nine years Mason has made slow, steady progress despite his family being told repeatedly by healthcare professionals that they should focus on maintenance because according to the “experts”, people with serious brain injuries cannot progress after the two year mark. Mason continues to make progress because his family refuses to give up - they have literally sacrificed their lives getting him well. His parents spend at least 25 hours a week on the road transporting him to therapy and countless hours at the group home where he is staying so that they can ensure he is being properly cared for. For someone with a Traumatic Brain Injury, maintaining a stress free environment and having a routine is very important. Being a “patient” instead of a priority and spending hours a day in a van being transported back and forth is extremely stressful for Mason and when he experiences intense stress it causes serious setbacks in his recovery.
Bringing Mason home requires extensive remodeling to the Barker's house, to make it wheel-chair accessible, which they simply cannot afford without some help. Having a less stressful environment, more personalized care, and doing therapy from home would give Mason and his family more time and energy to focus on what’s truly important, giving him his life back.
We are extremely grateful for any contribution you can make and if you are not in a position to contribute financially, spreading the word and sending around the gofundme site would be greatly appreciated.
We are also trying to cast a wide net on resources for this project. If you or anyone you know is involved in remodeling/construction and is willing to donate/discount time or services, please send us a direct message to get in touch.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
https://pktml1.wixsite.com/masonbarkerstory
But now, 9 years later - Mason needs to come home. From the day his mom got that devastating phone call from the hospital, every waking moment for the Barker family has been about getting him well. Mason was in the hospital for a year and he was never without a family member or close family friend by his side, turning him every two hours, working his muscles so they wouldn't atrophy, and doing everything they could to help him recover. His family was determined that he get the very best care 24 hours a day and that is still their priority. Over the past nine years Mason has made slow, steady progress despite his family being told repeatedly by healthcare professionals that they should focus on maintenance because according to the “experts”, people with serious brain injuries cannot progress after the two year mark. Mason continues to make progress because his family refuses to give up - they have literally sacrificed their lives getting him well. His parents spend at least 25 hours a week on the road transporting him to therapy and countless hours at the group home where he is staying so that they can ensure he is being properly cared for. For someone with a Traumatic Brain Injury, maintaining a stress free environment and having a routine is very important. Being a “patient” instead of a priority and spending hours a day in a van being transported back and forth is extremely stressful for Mason and when he experiences intense stress it causes serious setbacks in his recovery.
Bringing Mason home requires extensive remodeling to the Barker's house, to make it wheel-chair accessible, which they simply cannot afford without some help. Having a less stressful environment, more personalized care, and doing therapy from home would give Mason and his family more time and energy to focus on what’s truly important, giving him his life back.
We are extremely grateful for any contribution you can make and if you are not in a position to contribute financially, spreading the word and sending around the gofundme site would be greatly appreciated.
We are also trying to cast a wide net on resources for this project. If you or anyone you know is involved in remodeling/construction and is willing to donate/discount time or services, please send us a direct message to get in touch.
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!
https://pktml1.wixsite.com/masonbarkerstory
Organizer
Kathy Barker
Organizer
Oceola Township, MI
