A Future for Jordan

My name is Charles Martin Jordan was a former student of mine at Harold L. Richards High School (Class of 2013)

A Future for Jordan

Sometimes trauma can happen in the blink of an eye; such is the case for Jordan Swierczyna. Jordan is a kind, loyal, hardworking, 28-year-old young man. He loves his job as the Assistant to the Facility Manager of the Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College in South Holland, IL. He also is a sound designer, master carpenter and a talented drummer. All the things he loves are now in jeopardy due to a tragic accident that occurred on August 11.

A resident of Robbins, IL, Jordan was walking home from work when he was hit by a car only a half mile from his home. Since he doesn’t drive, Jordan rides the bus or walks almost everywhere he needs to go. After the accident, Jordan was rushed by ambulance to Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn where he spent three days in the Intensive Care Unit on a ventilator. Doctors there determined that Jordan had suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, fractured his neck, and suffered a bruised lung. His condition was grave.

While Jordan’s condition has improved since the accident, progress is slow. Although doctors are encouraged with his improvement, total recovery from a brain injury such as his can take time. Jordan is still unable to walk and is experiencing major cognitive impairment. To receive the extensive therapy that Jordan will require to regain his mobility and cognitive function, he will soon be transferred to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago where he will receive intensive rehab for several weeks. Upon completion of his rehab there, Jordan will need to have continued outpatient care provided in his home. Jordan has a long way to go in his recovery.

Jordan lives with his mother, Tammie Swierczyna, who is on disability and works a part-time job. Together Jordan and Tammie can make ends meet living on the wages that the two of them are able to bring in from their jobs. Due to his accident, however, Jordan will undoubtedly be unable to work for the foreseeable future resulting in a loss of family income. Tammie may also have to leave her job for an extended period to serve as Jordan’s caregiver during his recuperation. If both Jordan and Tammie are unable to work, they will be left with only Tammie’s disability income to live on, causing a significant financial burden for them. Jordan and Tammie will need assistance to cover Jordan’s medical bills and prescriptions, as well as basic necessities, while they are unable to work.

Jordan's future is unknown at this point. Any amount of financial help you can give will ease the burden for Jordan and his mother who are both hardworking people. Your financial assistance will be so appreciated by both Jordan and Tammie.

Jordan has a long road ahead of him. Thank you for kindness and support.