Dear Friends and Family,

On Friday, September 9th, my cousin Teresa's son, Braydon Spielbush, woke up a healthy and happy 23-year-old. He was looking forward to Friday Night Game Night with his family and planning his weekend adventures. His life changed forever when he arrived home from work around 4:45 pm and was brutally attacked and left for dead. He was shot 5 times as he was getting out of his truck in front of their house. The shooter then stole Braydon’s truck as Braydon was left fighting for his life on the sidewalk. Police apprehended the shooter a few miles away when he crashed Braydon’s truck.

Braydon’s injuries are severe and life-changing. One bullet hit him in the head, causing 13 facial and skull fractures. The bullet is still lodged in his brain, and many metal fragments. This bullet also hit a nerve that keeps him from controlling his right eye and eyelid, affecting his vision. We know that Braydon has experienced damage to his brain, but the doctors are unsure how extensive his traumatic brain injury will be.

His pelvic bone was broken when he was shot in the lower torso, and that bullet is still lodged in his pelvic bone. Another bullet broke both bones in his right forearm, requiring more surgery and a large steel plate. He was also shot in the right shoulder and his buttocks.

Braydon currently can’t walk, can’t speak, can’t see out of his right eye, and can’t feed himself without assistance. He requires full-time care and is at OHSU in the trauma center.

The prognosis for Braydon is unknown for the next few years. He will require daily physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. He will need at least a year of rehab at a specialty rehabilitation center. Doctors tell us that it will be close to 2 years before we know the full extent of his injuries.

Many of you have asked how you can help and suggested we start a GoFundMe. Asking for help is hard and uncomfortable for our family, but we need to ensure that Braydon gets the best care to help him recover. These funds will help lighten the burden of his medical expenses, therapy, and other expenses necessary for his long-term care.

We thank you in advance for any help you can give.