Ethan Gustavson Family Support
Donation protected
On January 15, 2020 Ethan fell from a ladder while at work and his head hit the pavement. He was diagnosed with a Traumatic Brain Injury. Within a few days, his brain was swelling to the point of needing to have a large portion of his skull removed to allow for the swelling and to minimize brain damage.
The first week was touch and go and he remained unresponsive, but after 8 days Ethan began moving his arms and legs. He has progressed to be able to breathe on his own and is working with therapy to walk, eat and talk again. As of today, he has developed hydrocephaly and will be having a shunt put in this week to drain fluid from his brain into his stomach. The fluid on his brain is causing extremely painful headaches as well as adding to his confusion and agitation. Please check his caring bridge website for more info and updates on his progress:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethangustavson
Ethan and Mandy have 2 children, Cooper (3) and Violet (2). Because Mandy needs to spend much time at the hospital and her remaining time at home with kids, she has been unable to work more than a few hours a week. Ethan's work comp pay is roughly 30% less of his regular income. With a home, car payments and medical insurance that needs to be kept up (long term disability that will eventually kick in) along with the cost of raising 2 children, it has become necessary to seek assistance for their family. Most of the money would be used to assist with household expenses and children's needs.
The road to recovery for Ethan and Mandy will be long. He will probably spend the next month in the hospital and then on to a care facility for rehabilitation. It is still unknown whether he will be able to work for a while or if their home will need to be remodeled to accommodate any mobility needs. Any support we can give to them would be MUCH APPRECIATED!
We also need your prayers. Pray for healing for Ethan as well as strength and comfort for Mandy, Cooper and Violet. So many wonderful people have already helped out by contributing food, babysitting, gift cards, assistance and prayers - Mandy has appreciated it so much.
Thanks to everyone for your contributions - God Bless!
The first week was touch and go and he remained unresponsive, but after 8 days Ethan began moving his arms and legs. He has progressed to be able to breathe on his own and is working with therapy to walk, eat and talk again. As of today, he has developed hydrocephaly and will be having a shunt put in this week to drain fluid from his brain into his stomach. The fluid on his brain is causing extremely painful headaches as well as adding to his confusion and agitation. Please check his caring bridge website for more info and updates on his progress:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ethangustavson
Ethan and Mandy have 2 children, Cooper (3) and Violet (2). Because Mandy needs to spend much time at the hospital and her remaining time at home with kids, she has been unable to work more than a few hours a week. Ethan's work comp pay is roughly 30% less of his regular income. With a home, car payments and medical insurance that needs to be kept up (long term disability that will eventually kick in) along with the cost of raising 2 children, it has become necessary to seek assistance for their family. Most of the money would be used to assist with household expenses and children's needs.
The road to recovery for Ethan and Mandy will be long. He will probably spend the next month in the hospital and then on to a care facility for rehabilitation. It is still unknown whether he will be able to work for a while or if their home will need to be remodeled to accommodate any mobility needs. Any support we can give to them would be MUCH APPRECIATED!
We also need your prayers. Pray for healing for Ethan as well as strength and comfort for Mandy, Cooper and Violet. So many wonderful people have already helped out by contributing food, babysitting, gift cards, assistance and prayers - Mandy has appreciated it so much.
Thanks to everyone for your contributions - God Bless!
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Todd
Organizer
Mound, MN
Mandy Gustavson
Beneficiary