Hi, my name is Holly Brand and JJ is like a son to me, even calling me his second mom. He's best friends with my daughter Gracie and is a huge part of our family. I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of JJ, Clay and Sara.
JJ had an unfortunate, traumatic accident on Sunday, March 26th that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, a large head wound, and he broke both of his hip sockets. It was a beyond scary start with so many unknowns, but his brain surgery was successful and his hips will recover in time. He has a long journey ahead, with most brain injuries like his taking 6 months at the minimum for recovery. He is currently having the best care in the John Muir intensive care unit. We have our fingers crossed that he will get promoted to the next level of care and then he will start his path on the road to recovery. This will be another challenge as his next level of care will probably be an hour's commute just one way for his dad and sister.
This Go Fund Me is going to help cover so many expenses from gas, food, possible hotel stays, medical co-pays, home expenses, and more. Not only is Clay going to have to take an unknown amount of time away from work, but JJ, who loves his job at Panera, will no longer have his income to pay for his phone and car payment.
This Liberty Highschool senior was a couple of months away from graduating, with hopes of working all summer before joining the Army. We now ask for help in form of GoFundMe donations, well wishes, positive thoughts and notes to encourage JJ during his biggest challenge so far.
On behalf of the Bonavitos, they would like to extend their appreciation in advance, and I would encourage you to share JJ's Road to Recovery. This family needs our help. Thank you!
4/1/23 UPDATE: JJ was moved out of the trauma ICU room and upstairs at John Muir for continued care and further PT and OT, with high hopes of heading out to Vacaville Kaiser neuro care unit or maybe even home!!!
4/3/23 UPDATE:
We have fantastic news. After multiple tests and evaluations, each medical team cleared JJ to be released from the hospital on 4/2. With some strict at home care instructions, they believe that with continued PT (physical therapy) and OT (occupational therapy), that he will recover over the next few months, fingers crossed, making a full recovery. The calendar looks like instead of it being hour by hour or day by day, we will take this recovery week by week. He needs 24 hour supervision, basically he can’t be left unattended. Clay, JJ’s dad, will continue to need help as he cannot return to his full time job as well as JJ’s employment is on hold indefinitely. We couldn’t be happier with JJ’s progress and avoiding the hour distance between home and after care. Please continue to share the fundraiser as this journey could be slow and windy.
THANK you so much, on behalf of the Bonavito’s, sincerely, Holly
4/11/2023 UPDATE:
Thank you for all the donations and well wishes. JJ is doing amazingly well, and receiving in-home therapy. It looks like by May he will attend PT at the Kaiser location where he will continue to strengthen his legs and work on any OT therapy. Though his brain is still healing from the trauma of the fall, he is a miracle in regards to how well
he is doing. His fall, if it changed in any manner, could have resulted in permanent brain damage or worse. We just can’t be more thankful for all
the prayers and good wishes.
Sincerely, on behalf of Clay and JJ, Holly B.
UPDATE 5/1/2023
from Clay Bonavito:
Good morning, this will probably be one of my last updates with JJ. The last few doctors appointment were fantastic he has been cleared to go back to school to go back to work and believe it or not to even drive. He has made a miraculous recovery. I want to thank everybody for your support on JJ's behalf it was amazing. So many cards and posters like the one from his old hockey team the River Rats it was just great it made him feel so much better every day when there wasn't much else to make him feel good. Now that I haven't been the man that can say nothing but no, he and I are starting to be buddies again, his attitude has much improved now that he understands what this was all about. Again just thank you to all the family and all his friends. We love you.