Keith DeMars Benefit

My name is Charlene McInroy; I am reaching out to you on behalf of my five siblings, my parents, and myself. But most of all, I’m reaching out for your assistance for the benefit of our brother Keith DeMars. On Monday, June 12, 2017, at the age of 28, our brother, Keith DeMars was in a severe motorcycle accident. It was a beautiful evening, warm and humid when he and his best friend, David, decided to take their bikes out for a spin after work. Driving down a city street, coming up on a curve and stop sign, Keith noticed his back tire starting to slide from the mixture of oil and moisture on the hot concrete. Trying to compensate, he down-shifted to control his bike, unfortunately, his efforts did not happen in time. Despite his best attempt, the front wheel hit the curb, causing him to be ejected from his bike and thrown into a chain link fence at the road side. The impact was horrific causing multiple injuries, changing his life in a split second. Thank goodness he always wore his helmet, which kept him conscious and ultimately saved his life. Keith was transported to St. Vincent hospital in Green Bay, WI where he was immediately cared for. He suffered two fractured femurs, one compound, and an additional compound fracture to his left tibia/fibula. A fracture to his spine at T12 which sadly, completely severed his spinal cord now leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Because of the severity of his injuries, Keith was transported to Froedtert Hospital and Medical College in Milwaukee, WI on Wednesday, June 14, 2017.In a few short days, Keith underwent a total of six surgeries. Sadly, during one of his surgeries, it was determined the trauma to his left lower leg had caused irreversible damage due to insufficient blood flow to the bone to keep it alive. It was decided it was in Keith's best interest to have his left leg amputated at the knee joint.He is mentally coping with this life changing event. He was finally stable enough to move out of the ICU, followed by the discharge from the trauma surgery floor, and now is currently working very hard on the spinal rehabilitation floor at Froedtert. His progress in only one month has demonstrated just how strong of a person he is. He impresses us every day with his drive and determination to move forward with his life. He has the will power to do great things! When it rains, it pours! Keith and his girlfriend, Kayla, are expecting their first child together today, Friday, July 14, 2017. Keith will not be able to be there for the birth. However, thanks to his determination and an amazing spinal and orthopedic team, the occupational therapists, physical therapists, and the many, many nurses at Froedtert in Milwaukee, preparation has continued to help him come home to his family and adjust in society. Keith's home in Green Bay is older and by no means handicap accessible. Both entry ways consist of 5-6 stairs and a bathroom that would never fit a wheelchair. An addition allowing room for wheelchair accessibility and a handicap assessable bathroom will need to be built. Keith, my other siblings, and I are in fear of the extreme financial burden this is going to put on our parents, who have been trying so hard to figure out the means, what loans to take out and how to design a handicap accessible home for Keith when he returns.With the financial burden of making a home for Keith, medial expenses and providing the items needed to restore his life to a level of normalcy, I'm praying we can reach out to the as many people as we can for help in respect to this forever life changing tragedy. Keith has always been so full of life with a huge heart. When I was 13 years old, I will never forget the day he came home from the hospital. Instantly he had four older sisters who loved him so much! He was walking by nine months, running by 10 months, climbing everything in sight by one year old. He's the best uncle to all of his nieces and nephews and unconditionally loves his family so much. He always lends a hand to anyone in need. His passion is fishing, spending time up north in the outdoors, and riding his motorcycle. I sincerely hope you can find it in your heart to help Keith transition to his new challenges in life. All Our Love and Deepest Gratitude,Charlene, Renee, Brenda, Lisa, Brittney, Brandon and our parents, Brett and Cindy