Assist my mom and I through a difficult time

Hello everyone, friends, family, kind strangers. I appreciate all who take the time to stop and read. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Alejandro, many if not most know me by Alex.

3 weeks ago I was in a horrific car crash on Biscayne Boulevard and 22nd Street. The crash left both the car I was driving and the car directly involved totaled, as well as serious damage to a third vehicle involved. Initially, after the accident, I was a little hobbled and sore, but thought I made it through the accident relatively unscathed. Unfortunately, this would not be the case. Several hours after the accident, the adrenaline wore off and the true extent of my injuries would soon be revealed to me. On my way to the hospital, I stopped to grab a bite as I knew I would probably be admitted overnight, and much to my horror, the next time I tried exiting a vehicle, my legs would not work. I fell to the ground and I could not get up on my own power. It was the most frightening feeling I’ve ever experienced, to feel like I’d almost completely lost the autonomy of my lower half.

Immediately, your mind goes to a very dark place. “Have I screwed myself forever? Will this be a permanent issue in my life?” were the questions that kept flashing before my eyes like an infomercial you couldn’t turn off. I was horrified, as I literally could not put one foot in front of the other without excruciating pain.

The next week would prove to be one of the most grueling I’ve ever been through, not only physically but mentally, as I knew that this would be a huge impediment in my life, in the near future but also further than that.

As a result of the accident, I have significant nerve damage in muscles in my back and experience constant, non-stop sharp pain, as well as tormenting back spasms that render me useless, and I need a lot of help with many everyday activities. My mom has been by my side through this entire journey and graciously assisting me with all that I need.

Luckily, I am now able to walk with the assistance of a walker with a tolerable amount of pain and have begun the tedious climb of physical therapy, which will take up much of my week for at least the next 3-5 months. But it will be a long time before I can work again, as most of the work I do is in the hospitality industry and requires physical labor, and my mom, who is currently a substitute teacher, has been out of work since early June and is not guaranteed her job back as MDCPS has sold the employment rights to Kelly Education, a “global workforce solution provider”, effective September.

The funds we are trying to raise will go towards medical bills, physical therapy copays, insurance deductibles, rent payments, and basic living necessities (food, utilities, etc)

I understand these are the dog days of summer, and many might not be in a position to assist, but I humbly ask that if you’ve taken the time to read to please share to your socials and help spread the word. It is not easy to ask for help, and I’m very grateful to be part of a couple of communities that always seem to come together and uplift others when they are down.

I want to take a moment to give thanks to everyone who has reached out, offered their presence or assistance, or just given their ear to listen. To my mom, who slept beside me the entire week I was in the hospital, who fed me and clothed me when I couldn’t do it myself. For taking me to every doctor's appointment and every therapy session. You are my best friend and my rock. To my friends who’ve constantly checked up, passed by, or sent me stupid shit to laugh at. To the strangers who so kindly stop and wish a speedy recovery. To my therapists who’ve worked hard to build a routine that will get me back to where I need to be. You all have made this battle one that I feel capable of winning. And for that, I am eternally grateful.

Although it has only been three weeks, I feel myself learning to be more patient, to constantly consider those who might not have the same abilities as you, and to take a moment and give a helping hand to anyone who needs it. And amidst the feeling of hopelessness, I know I will come out of this a better, stronger, reinvented version of myself.

Thank you all for donating, sharing, or just taking the time to read.

Much love, and Godspeed,

Alex