Brady's Brave Journey to Recovery

My name is Heather Neff-Jones and in the overnight hours of May 16th, 2025, my longest and dearest friend Rachel called me tell me her oldest son, Brady Neely, had been involved in a catastrophic, single car motor vehicle accident. He had been airlifted to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with critical injuries including head and neck trauma. I have never heard such panic and fear in my friends' voice in all the 35 years I have known her.

Upon arriving to the hospital, Brady was diagnosed with skull fractures, brain bleeds, a broken jaw and several neck/vertebrae fractures. He was admitted to the Neurological ICU and while the doctors and nurses were telling us that his future was uncertain, we all held tight to the fact that Brady was young and incredibly strong.

The days after Brady's accident proved challenging as he was deeply sedated, giving his body time to heal and allowing the incredible doctors and nurses to monitor for continued brain swelling (which is common with this type of trauma). Even though he was heavily sedated Brady spiked fevers, fought pneumonia and was eventually diagnosed with a DAI (Diffuse Axonal Injury - also known as Shaken Baby Syndrome).

Again, we all sat vigil knowing how incredibly resilient Brady is and knowing that his youth and strength (and the strength of his endless number of Family and Friends) would help carry him through.

Rachel NEVER left his side as he was sedated, spending endless sleepless nights holding his hand, talking to him and reminding him how deeply loved he is - never losing faith that he would wake up and come back to her wholly and completely.

Brady spent the first two weeks after his accident in a coma and enduring several surgeries to reconstruct his jaw, place a tracheotomy and feeding tubes. Even though he was attached to so many tubes, electronics and wires, the swelling was slowly dissipating, and he was starting to look like our Brady Boy once again.

At the end of the first two weeks the talk to remove him from sedation was becoming a reality. Nobody knew what to expect and provisions were being made to move him to a step-down facility which was explained as kind of a middle space where the critically ill are placed when they aren't sick enough for the ICU, but not healthy enough for admittance to a regular wing of the hospital. Again, we all kept the faith, and the endless number of Friends and Family continued to pour their endless love and positive energy into Brady's recovery.

When Brady came out of sedation, he was groggy and because of his jaw reconstruction surgery he was a little slow to talk (having your jaw wired shut can do that to you). But Rachel was able to see her boys' beautiful eyes again and hear him speak (even just a whisper). He was defying odds and proving just how strong he is.

Brady continued to make incredible strides in his recovery. No longer requiring the ventilator to breathe and slowly finding his voice (after learning the little nuisances of having a trach). Much to everyone's delight it was determined Brady would NOT have to go to a step-down facility and would instead be released to a regular hospital room (his nurses were literally in tears of joy seeing just how well he was doing).

Today marks one month since his accident and everyone that has been with him through this journey would agree that it's been a month that has felt like an eternity - but Brady is knocking down barriers and smashing goals. His trach has since been removed and while he had a little hiccup with his jaw (needed another surgery to more properly secure it), he is making great strides in healing. He's crushed his PT and OT goals and is getting ready for the next stage of his long journey.

Brady will be moved to a special Rehab facility soon! Everyone is looking forward to breaking out of the hospital and getting some new scenery. If the last month is any indication, I have every confidence that Brady is going to exceed every goal and be back home soon - but he needs our help to do so.

I am hoping to provide the family a little relief in medical expenses and the continued unknown expenses as he continues to heal. We expect that Brady will be in Rehab for about a month and once released home he will be continue with Physical and Occupational Therapy.

Brady continues to be on his way to become an AMAZING man. Before his accident he had started a job as a Truck Driver with Old Dominion - a job that he absolutely loved. When he would share stories of his training and his day-to-day, his eyes lit up and he had a smile that reached from ear to ear. He recently stood by his best friend, Colten's, side as he became a new father - vowing to love Colten's little girl like she was his own. And just weeks before his accident he surprised his mom with a new puppy and was looking forward to training her to be the best dog EVER. Brady continues to have so much promise and is looking forward to a bright future, although this accident has set him back.

Please consider helping Brady and his family as he continues to surprise all of us with his resolute strength in becoming the best version of himself and crushing all expectations on healing. It's going to be a long road to recovery, but I have every confidence he's going to amaze us!

Best to all of you!