Bradley's Dream Wish WheelChair
Donation protected
Bradley’s Story
On July 20, 2003, an energetic very healthy little 3 ½ yrs. old boy’s life changed forever. Bradley and his dad, Kevin, a much respected firefighter and E.M.T. in our town, were enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon at a lake riding on a jet ski. Suddenly Kevin and Bradley were struck by a boat and killing Bradley’s daddy instantly. Bradley was unconscious and barely breathing. He had been struck in the head. He was air lifted to a local trauma center and clung to life with the help of machines. His prognosis was very bleak. He had suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple facial fractures, fractured hip and loss of vision in one eye. While hospitalized he suffered a massive stroke leaving him paralyzed on his right side.
After several months of hospitalization and rehabilitation Bradley was released and has since made significant improvements. He continues to receive physical, occupational and speech therapies. His walking is limited to a few steps using his walker with full assistance. To date, he has had approximately 14 surgical procedures to include; eye surgery, although he remains without vision in the injured eye, left and right multiple hip surgeries, reconstruction of both femurs,(these femur surgeries entailed remaining in a full body cast for 6 months) complete restoration of right foot, hand and arm surgeries, etc.
He is in the 11th grade and enrolled in a life skills program at his local public high school.
Through it all, this wonderful young man, now 17 years of age, has continued to smile and be the most happiest of all beings. For those who know him, they will attest to the fact that he is a joy of light to all. His positive attitude and social outgoing has earned him the nick name “The Mayor”.
A few years ago, Bradley and I had the pleasure of attending the Boston Abilities Show, where numerous vendors display their latest innovations to help people with disabilities. Or I prefer to call it, different abilities. Well, Bradley had the opportunity to experience life in a “standing wheelchair”. Bradley was love struck to say the least. This new found standing wheelchair would and could open up an entirely new world for Bradley, oppose to just sitting all day, of which most of us can only imagine such restrictions each waking moment; Not to mention the toll on one’s body from being left in a single position for such a duration.
Not a day has passed that this deserving young man has not asked about this chair. His dream is to one day be able to function through life, like that of others.
It has been about 3 ½ years, that I have been trying to make Bradley’s dream of getting his standing wheelchair a reality, only to have been recently denied from the health insurance company. Thus, the reason for this “Go Fund Me” outreach.
As a grandmother and promise keeper to my son, Kevin, in Heaven, I am pleading with you to make any donation you can to help my 17 year old grandson to experience life to its fullest. Most 17 year olds dream of cars and dating, my grandson dreams of being able to stand to talk with people, to stand to reach for items, to stand for the sole purpose of living a more normal life. Won’t you please consider helping to make Bradley’s dream a reality? Your generosity will mean more than you can ever imagine.
God Bless,
Celeste Gignac
a.k.a. Bradley’s Gram
On July 20, 2003, an energetic very healthy little 3 ½ yrs. old boy’s life changed forever. Bradley and his dad, Kevin, a much respected firefighter and E.M.T. in our town, were enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon at a lake riding on a jet ski. Suddenly Kevin and Bradley were struck by a boat and killing Bradley’s daddy instantly. Bradley was unconscious and barely breathing. He had been struck in the head. He was air lifted to a local trauma center and clung to life with the help of machines. His prognosis was very bleak. He had suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple facial fractures, fractured hip and loss of vision in one eye. While hospitalized he suffered a massive stroke leaving him paralyzed on his right side.
After several months of hospitalization and rehabilitation Bradley was released and has since made significant improvements. He continues to receive physical, occupational and speech therapies. His walking is limited to a few steps using his walker with full assistance. To date, he has had approximately 14 surgical procedures to include; eye surgery, although he remains without vision in the injured eye, left and right multiple hip surgeries, reconstruction of both femurs,(these femur surgeries entailed remaining in a full body cast for 6 months) complete restoration of right foot, hand and arm surgeries, etc.
He is in the 11th grade and enrolled in a life skills program at his local public high school.
Through it all, this wonderful young man, now 17 years of age, has continued to smile and be the most happiest of all beings. For those who know him, they will attest to the fact that he is a joy of light to all. His positive attitude and social outgoing has earned him the nick name “The Mayor”.
A few years ago, Bradley and I had the pleasure of attending the Boston Abilities Show, where numerous vendors display their latest innovations to help people with disabilities. Or I prefer to call it, different abilities. Well, Bradley had the opportunity to experience life in a “standing wheelchair”. Bradley was love struck to say the least. This new found standing wheelchair would and could open up an entirely new world for Bradley, oppose to just sitting all day, of which most of us can only imagine such restrictions each waking moment; Not to mention the toll on one’s body from being left in a single position for such a duration.
Not a day has passed that this deserving young man has not asked about this chair. His dream is to one day be able to function through life, like that of others.
It has been about 3 ½ years, that I have been trying to make Bradley’s dream of getting his standing wheelchair a reality, only to have been recently denied from the health insurance company. Thus, the reason for this “Go Fund Me” outreach.
As a grandmother and promise keeper to my son, Kevin, in Heaven, I am pleading with you to make any donation you can to help my 17 year old grandson to experience life to its fullest. Most 17 year olds dream of cars and dating, my grandson dreams of being able to stand to talk with people, to stand to reach for items, to stand for the sole purpose of living a more normal life. Won’t you please consider helping to make Bradley’s dream a reality? Your generosity will mean more than you can ever imagine.
God Bless,
Celeste Gignac
a.k.a. Bradley’s Gram
Organizer
CM Gignac
Organizer
Blackstone, MA
