Aid Shane and Tina O'Byrne in Their Time of Need

Help Support The O'Byrnes In Their Time Of Need

My friend and coworker, Tina O'Byrne, and her husband Shane could really use our help right now. In January 2023 Shane was involved in a semi truck accident. He was driving his semi truck for work when another semi ran a red light and broadsided his truck. Shane is still dealing with the physical and psychological issues caused by that accident.

On 8/27 Shane began experiencing a speech impairment while over the road working. He was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Knoxville TN. They ruled out a stroke or brain bleed, which was a relief, but unfortunately the stuttering and slurred speech continued to worsen over the next few days. Shane woke up the morning of 8/30 and was unable to speak at all. Tina promptly drove to Chattanooga TN to get him and bring him home. More tests were done last week that resulted in no neurological findings related to the speech impairment. While that was good news for the O'Byrnes, it also unfortunately meant the speech issue is psychological in nature, likely attributed to the PTSD Shane has been dealing with since his accident. That combined with his chronic pain he suffers from daily in both hands due to the CRPS caused by his accident that still remains unsuccessfully treated, plus the additional stress related to Tina's own recent illness and hospitalization, was more than he could handle all at once.

Shane's healthcare providers have recommended Shane take a few weeks off from work to get the extra help he very much needs right now to manage his trauma and mental health. This is going to put a significant financial burden on the O'Byrnes. Any financial assistance we can provide during this time would greatly help with their unexpected medical expenses and household bills and be so appreciated by them. Please keep Shane in your thoughts and prayers as he and Tina navigate this difficult healing journey together.