Dustin’s Road to Recovery: Support After TBI

Just a week ago, my brother Dustin’s life was changed forever. While riding his electric bicycle, he was struck by a vehicle traveling 30+ mph. The impact sent him airborne, and he landed violently on the hood and windshield of the car. The injuries he sustained are devastating.

Dustin suffered multiple skull fractures, significant brain swelling, a major concussion, and a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Most concerning is the brain bleed in his frontal lobe—a critical area responsible for personality, emotional regulation, memory, behavior, and decision-making. He also has a gash along his hairline, staples in the back of his head, a sprained wrist, and extensive bruising throughout his body.

Because of the TBI, Dustin is experiencing severe confusion, memory loss, mood swings, and agitation. At times, he doesn’t recognize loved ones and struggles to make sense of his surroundings. His medical team has told us that with this type of brain injury, all we can do is “hurry up and wait.”

What makes this even more heartbreaking is that Dustin had been working so hard to rebuild his life. He was 79 days clean and sober on the day of the accident. He was on his way to a job interview when he was hit. He had gone back to college, was in his third semester, and thriving with a 4.0 GPA. He was full of hope, determination, and finally believing he had a second chance at a fulfilling life.

For nearly 24 hours after the accident, we didn’t know where Dustin was. After countless unanswered calls and texts, I had a gut feeling something was wrong. I almost called law enforcement for a welfare check but decided to call hospitals in the DFW area first. Miraculously, the first one I called confirmed that “Mr. Kidd is currently in our NeuroTrauma ICU.” I was stunned into silence. I eventually spoke with his nurse and learned about the severity of his condition. Shortly after, we rushed to be by his side.

Dustin has now spent seven long days in the NeuroTrauma Intensive Care Unit (NTICU). He is in severe pain and remains highly disoriented. While he’s now awake, he continues to experience memory lapses, confusion, agitation, and moments of combativeness. He is currently restrained to prevent him from unintentionally hurting himself. Watching this is heartbreaking beyond words. Doctors say it may take 3 to 12 months—or longer—for his brain to heal, and there is no guarantee of full recovery.

The investigation into the accident is still ongoing, and many details remain unknown. But for now, our focus is on Dustin’s healing and doing everything we can to support him through this traumatic, uncertain journey.

This recovery will be physically, emotionally, and financially exhausting—not just for Dustin, but for all of us caring for him. The hospital is over two hours from our home, and we’ve already made several trips, incurring expenses for gas, lodging, meals, and more. We’re bracing ourselves for many more weeks and months of this ahead.

We’re not the type to ask for help—it’s honestly hard to do—but we know we can’t walk this road alone.

This GoFundMe will help cover:

• Travel expenses (gas, lodging, meals)

• Possible income from time taken off to care for Dustin

• Future rehabilitation, therapy, and long-term care needs

Any amount you can give—no matter how small—means the world to us. And if you’re not in a position to donate, please know that sharing this page or simply keeping Dustin in your thoughts and prayers is just as meaningful.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. The love, support, and kindness we’ve received from friends, family, and even strangers have carried us through the darkest moments. You’ve given us strength when we needed it most.

Please continue to pray for Dustin’s healing and for our family as we face the road ahead.

With our deepest love and gratitude,

Kimberly and the family of Dustin Kidd