Grieff Family Support Fund

On October 10, 2017, 1st Lieutenant Brandon Grieff suffered from cardiac arrest during a physical training event. While he was unconscious, three medics who were also training rushed to his side and began CPR immediately. During CPR, he also encountered 10 broken ribs. From the time of collapse to the time of arrival to the emergency room, he was without oxygen for 30 minutes. He was immediately put into the ICU and the staff dropped his body temperature to freezing temperatures to protect his brain from any more damage, and put him into a two-day coma. A temporary pacemaker was inserted because his heart was so low, at 25 beats per minute.

During the warm up process, there was potential for brain damage which was a huge fear because he was without oxygen for so long. The medical team decided to remove the ventilator because he was showing signs of breathing by himself. As they were removing the ventilator, he also received a broken tooth. He began to breathe on his own fully and react to his family with eye contact and small movements. He was then able to answer questions by using gestures and nodding within a day. The medical teams were astonished and called him a miracle.

Within one week of being admitted into the ICU, Brandon is now walking short distances, having full conversations, and can recall long term memories. However, Brandon is struggling with short term memory loss, which the medical teams think will come back with time and intense therapy. He has now discontinued most of his medications, has had his temporary pacemaker removed and a vest put on until a permanent pace maker can be placed, and is leaps and bounds from what happened on the 10th of October. Brandon will be transferred to Washington D.C., where he will have more care and therapy will begin. He is literally a miracle.

During this time, Hannah, his wife, is with him in Georgia. Hannah recently lost her position at her job due to the company closing. She had a job lined up as a full term substitute in a local school district, but cannot take this position at this moment due to the circumstances. Hannah and Brandon have a two-year-old son together.

With this accident, income is practically non-existent. Funds are truly needed for their livelihood to continue until they can make a plan when Brandon is stable enough to come home and Hannah can look for another full time position. We are now one week into this devastating accident, but cannot be happier about the outcome. We are truly thankful for all of the love, support, and continuous prayers.

If you cannot personally contribute, please share this. This family is beyond deserving!