Main fundraiser photo

Amanda Castillo's Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery

Donation protected
On the day before Christmas Eve, and one week before her 30th birthday, our beloved Amanda Castillo was driving on I-91 North in North Haven, Connecticut when she was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that was not her fault. As a result of the accident, which involved a large tractor trailer, she sustained a serious head injury (TBI) and had to be extricated from the vehicle by first responders and rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. The doctors found she had a subarachnoid hemorrhage and subdural hematomas--life-threatening types of bleeding in the brain and the tissue covering the brain, which are considered to be among the deadliest of all head injuries. 


Although she’s improving, her medical needs will require future surgery and extensive medical care, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Due to the injuries, she will be unable to work for the foreseeable future and cover her medical bills and expenses. We are asking for your help and consideration in helping our dear friend Amanda in meeting these needs.


This tragedy could not have happened to a more beautiful soul. Amanda is like a shining star that was accidentally dropped down here from the heavens to bring joy into people's hearts. She spreads color in the world in the most magical of ways and is so loved by so many.


Those closest to Amanda know her as a community catalyst, dedicated student of her craft(s), and all-around dynamic creative force. By trade, she’s known as “The Curlorista,” a holistic hair stylist and forward thinking fashionista with burgeoning world-class talent--especially within her niche of natural curly hair and fantasy color. 

Before this happened, Amanda was in the midst of building her dream business — a holistic salon, wellness center, and event space with a strong community focus — a cumulation of years of hard work and dedication to her vision. This accident has not only put her life on the line, but her biggest hopes and dreams as well. Currently she risks losing her business space, which she has already invested extensive amounts of work and all of her startup money into. 


Anyone who knows Amanda knows how deeply she believes in the importance of community and the power of collective action. Amanda truly believes in the good in people; she revels in her ability to bring people together and give them a platform to shine. Now is the time for us to do the same for her and come together as a community to support her in a time of great need. 

We are aiming to raise enough funds to cover her recovery expenses, as well as her bills for her business to preserve it for her to get back in action once she heals. 

So far, there has been an astronomical outpouring of love and support from so many. Together, we can help relieve the immense burden on Amanda and her family and keep her dream alive as well.

Any contribution would be greatly appreciated and would go towards the following expenses:

-To cover Amanda’s bills during recovery so that she doesn’t lose everything she's worked for.

-To cover her mother’s and other caretakers’ costs to care for Amanda during recovery so they can devote the time and energy needed to care for Amanda without jeopardizing their own stability.

-Any physical changes that need to be made to her mother’s house to prepare for post rehab recovery, including specialized furniture.

-Long term medical needs, including mental health and trauma treatment as well as PT, OT, and speech therapy.

Why your donations are time-sensitive/urgent:

-She’s at risk of losing her business, with rent and bills for the new month already due.

-She’ll be going to rehab facility once she leaves the hospital and it’s unknown if there will be out of pocket costs during her time there.

-Amanda’s mother’s home will need to be tailored to Amanda’s recovery needs as soon as possible.
 
Here's Amanda with her big infectious smile. She can light up the world with that smile.

Here's one with her mother and sister. They've been by her side this whole journey. Amanda doesn't have the braids anymore. Well, now she doesn’t have any curls, anymore, either. 

Here's a photo of her with her partner, Max, who's been a big part of recovery. He's barely left her side.

Amanda has an incredible heart, is lively, independent, and talented so we never expected we'd be saying this but she needs all of your help right now. There are immediate needs and the costs of her recovery will be massive. It will take time before she is able to work again but in the meantime, we're trying our best to assist her. Please join us in the effort to keep Amanda going during this trying time.


Thank you for your help.


Disclaimer: Sarah Castillo, Amanda's sister, is added as the beneficiary of the campaign and will be overseeing the withdrawal of funds for her. All funds will be delivered to Amanda to use for her expenses.
Donate

Donations 

    Donate

    Organizer and beneficiary

    Amandas Angels
    Organizer
    New Haven, CT
    Sarah Castillo
    Beneficiary

    Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

    • Easy

      Donate quickly and easily

    • Powerful

      Send help right to the people and causes you care about

    • Trusted

      Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee