This is our amazing son, Max. Before the accident, Max was independent, earning his living and studying horticulture. Exuberant and excited about life, he was very confident, always on the go, working, gardening, playing tennis and having fun with his friends. However, seven years ago, at the age of 21 Max’s life completely changed when he stepped on a skateboard and hit a slick patch. He fell backwards causing a severe blow to his head. Max was transported to the trauma center of San Fransisco General Hospital where he remained for six weeks, in an induced coma the first two.
The skilled Neurosurgeon Dr. Mann, took a large part of his skull (craniectomy) in order to remove the pooling of blood on his brain (subdermal hematoma evacuation). It was terrifying not knowing if he was going to survive as the doctor could not give us reassurance that he would. We thank God every day and are so very grateful his life was saved.
The pain Max endured following the surgery and the ensuing years has been unimaginable. Once released from the hospital, Max was bedridden but bravely persevered with intense physical and occupational therapy that eventually enabled him to walk, talk, read and write again. Max continues to live with debilitating migraines, skull pain, short term memory loss, dizziness and poor balance.
We prayed, our friends of all faiths prayed. We continue to pray.
Seven months later Max went for a second surgery to replace his skull (crainioplasty). We thought the nightmare was over. However, three years later his skull began to deteriorate, Grand Mal seizures and Focal seizures started. Max was flown by Air Medivac to hospital three times on life support.
His replaced skull is failing due to bone resorption and continues to decline. Max must undergo three more surgeries or his condition will worsen and he will lose his life. To add insult to injury Max's living situation is precarious to say the least and it is vital he moves.
We are reaching out for help as our resources are completely depleted after seeing him through these past seven years in the first stage of his recovery. Obviously we want to continue to help and care for our son but can no longer do it alone. As humbling as it is to do, we are asking for donations to pay for surgeries, aftercare and his living expenses.
Through all these years Max has rarely complained and has been full of grace.
We are deeply grateful for any contribution you are able to make to save Max's life and allow him to be independent again. Gratitude also goes to those who have supported us thus far.
Prayers and love
Susann and Joel
❤️
Our prayers and thoughts are also with all the others in need on GoFundMe.
** Please share our posts on FB and Twitter, as this helps to raise awareness about our campaign **