PLEASE HELP BRING JUSTIN BACK HOME

In 2013, eight days after his 18th birthday, Justin was in a horrific car accident which left him in a coma for three months. He suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury which affected him in many ways. He lost the use of his left side, lost his speech, is incontinent, and has uncontrollable mood swings.

After four years in the hospital, we brought him home. My children and I tried to take care of him with the help of aides to navigate his daily needs, take him to therapy and doctor appointments while working a full-time job. Unfortunately, aides were not always reliable.

We were managing well until COVID shut things down. Things became more and more draining emotionally and physically as therapies were compromised. So, with the lack of outside aides, I had to make one of the most difficult decisions to place Justin in a facility to ensure he would receive the care and therapies that he desperately needed. Because there are so few facilities in New York that would accept Justin’s degree of disability, I had to look out of state. The closest facility that would accept him was located in Massachusetts. Being so far away (250 miles), we can only visit every 4 to 6 weeks.

For 2 ½ years, Justin has resided in a nursing home in Massachusetts. The opportunity for him to finally make it back home, where his family lives, was presented by the organization known as “New Beginnings.” They were opening two houses in Wading River that were specifically designated for people with brain injuries. These houses would be equipped to handle Justin’s power wheelchair as well as provide therapies which are located on-site. His aides would be covered by insurance and the rent would be paid through a rental subsidy.

This was the miracle we were looking for and applied immediately. Justin was accepted into the home. After leaving the deposit and setting up his room, we were notified the subsidy was not approved. The reason given was the layout of the rooms and the housing of more than three people who were not related. We are still working with New Beginnings for an alternative plan. The decision is heartbreaking, but in the meantime, we are still trying to bring Justin home as promised.

All Justin wants is to live a life as normal as he can. I am reaching out in the hopes that you can help Justin cover the rental cost and/or any medical expenses that may not be covered for as long as needed. Ultimately, we are praying that the State will re-adjust their requirements and cover the cost for this much-needed type of facility in New York.

Thank you for your consideration as we navigate through yet another bump in the road. Please consider this GoFundMe. All of your support will make a huge difference not only in Justin’s life but all of ours as well! Thank you ALL in advance for your support. If you cannot donate at this time, please share with family and friends so we can make this happen!

LET’S BRING JUSTIN AND HIS CONTAGIOUS SMILE HOME