Support Dave Hango's Recovery from Head Injury

My name is Sharon and I’m asking for your help to support Dave Hango and his family (his wife, Amanda, and their children: Megan, Brayden and Emily -- all under the age of 12). I am a colleague of Dave’s and have been a friend to the family for over a decade. A Professional Engineer, in the workplace Dave was an exceptional team member, always helpful, very clever, meticulous, thoughtful and integral to the work at hand. At home, he was a very active, supportive husband and father.

In late March 2023, Dave was enjoying time with his family. Happily skating with everyone, he suddenly tripped, hit his head on the ice, and tragically, suffered a fractured skull. This fluke accident rendered a 43-year-old man, in the prime of his life, motionless.

Since that day, Dave has been in and out of Emergency, Intensive Care, Rehabilitation and back again. A few days ago, Dave underwent his sixth operation in five months!

Right after the accident in March, Dave was in surgery to remove his fractured skull bone and alleviate pressure on his brain. He remained heavily sedated for weeks and seemed to be healing so was sent to a rehabilitation hospital in April; his scalp was stitched together but his skull piece had not been replaced. Unfortunately, the sunken flap of skin over his missing skull bone began to press on his brain causing him to deteriorate. He was then sent back to surgery to replace the skull bone that had been frozen since its removal in March. Post surgery, upon removing the fluid drain in his head, a blood vessel ruptured causing another bleed and another operation, this time in his hospital room to quickly stop the bleeding. Subsequently, the skull bone became contaminated, so was removed.

Many weeks went by where Dave was fed by tubes to regain much lost weight. Having recovered enough, another operation was ordered to insert an acrylic skull piece. Sadly, after this operation, Dave developed an infection in his head. After a course of intravenous antibiotics, it was apparent the infection was still present, thus, Dave underwent another operation to remove the synthetic bone in his head as it was assumed to be infected.

Almost unbelievable and certainly disheartening, you can imagine the stress and strain on this family as a result of these devastating setbacks. I too have had a partner suffer a brain injury while in his 40’s and am fully aware that the road back to “normal life” is very long and not linear. It’s fair to say that the partner bears the bulk of the enormous burden of navigating the healthcare system and advocating for the patient. S/he experiences excruciating pain and sheds boatloads of tears trying to cope and stay strong amidst various setbacks – each one seemingly trying to erode the courage to remain hopeful. This is especially true when one’s partner is young.

I’m asking for your support which will help the Hangos carry on. Since the accident, their former house was sold as it was apparent it would no longer be suitable; Dave will need extensive rehabilitation in a facility situated 130 kilometres from where they live. Amanda, now essentially a single mother of three young children, has taken a leave of absence from work and, given the path to recovery still ahead, is unsure when she will be able to return. Your contribution may also help to lift the couple’s spirits as they navigate an uncertain future.

I am hoping to raise at least $40,000.00. The road ahead is unclear but since Dave’s accident, Amanda has spent several thousands of dollars on gas, hospital parking, moving expenses and childcare. This doesn’t take into account lost wages and we don’t know how long Amanda will be away from the workplace so that she can support Dave, keep his spirits up, and maintain a stable home for her children. Dave’s out-of-town rehabilitation will mean additional expenses for gas and hotel accommodations for family visits, and supplemental physio- and other therapies may be needed.

Thank-you for your contribution. It will go a long way to help Dave and his family know that they are not forgotten, that they are supported and are not so alone on recovery’s bumpy road.