On Saturday, 12/13, my son Graden—a sophomore and varsity swimmer at MHS—was in a horrific car accident on Hwy 211 outside of Molalla that nearly took his life and sent him code 3 to one of two of Oregon’s trauma centers. Due to a farmer’s negligence, cows were left roaming the highway, and Graden struck one. He was not distracted, speeding, or doing anything irresponsible. This was a tragic accident that should never have happened. By the grace of God, my miracle, my best friend, my baby boy—who I was never supposed to bring into the world, who wasn’t supposed to survive birth, and wasn’t expected to live past age 2 or 3—walked away alive. But walking away doesn’t mean unhurt. Graden is now facing rehabilitation and recovery after this traumatic event. He is now a four-time concussion survivor, has a history of TBI, and has ongoing heart and lung issues, including a nearly collapsed lung.

We’ve also learned that we did not have comprehensive or collision coverage, and this was our only means of transportation. Without a car, I can’t work my UberEats job, which means I can’t even provide Christmas for Graden. When I told him this, he said that being alive and still being with his Momma is his Christmas present. That’s the kind of sweet boy he is—positive, selfless, and strong, even while in pain. Graden knows my own health has been deteriorating due to serious medical issues like heart failure, kidney disease that I almost died from and still recovering a year later, and intractable epilepsy from two types of seizures. There are other medical issues I deal with, but I have been in the hospital a lot recently due to my epilepsy, and Graden never leaves my side. He can be there almost all night and still be on time for school and go to swim practice. This is the type of son I have, and he is trying to stay strong for both of us.

Right now, we don’t know what will happen or if the farmer responsible will be found. In the meantime, I’m asking for help so Graden can recover without the added stress of transportation loss and financial strain. Anyone who knows Graden knows he has a heart of gold, was MHS Student of the Month, and would walk through fire for a stranger—he literally has to save a stranger—just to name a few. If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.