Alex Montagnet’s Recovery Journey

Hi, my name is Lynn Brammer, and I’m helping set up this fundraiser on behalf of my brother-in-law, Alex Montagnet, and his family. They’ve shared their story below so you can understand what Alex has been through and how we can all support him as he transitions home. Updates and thank-you will come directly from his immediate family and all funds go straight to them.

What Happened

On March 31, 2025, Alex Montagnet suddenly lost all movement from the waist down. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered a dangerous spinal infection (MRSA) compressing his spinal cord. On April 1st, he underwent emergency surgery. While that surgery saved his life, the damage from the infection left him paralyzed from the T5 vertebra down — meaning he has no voluntary movement from approximately mid-chest down.

Since then, Alex has spent over four months in the ICU, hospital, and inpatient rehab. He is now continuing therapy at the Shepherd Center Day Program in Atlanta through mid-to-late September. Every day, he works to rebuild strength, adapt to life in a wheelchair, and regain as much independence as possible.

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About Alex

Alex spent his entire professional life in the manufactured housing industry. He began his career in 1976 with Skyline and worked his way up to become their National Sales Manager. He later served as Sales Manager for one of the top-producing Clayton Homes plants in the country, and in 2019, was honored with induction into the Virginia Manufactured and Modular Housing Association Hall of Fame.

He retired in late 2021, ready to travel with his wife and enjoy time with his family—including two adult children and two grand pets (a dog and a cat). But instead of stepping into retirement, he’s now navigating life after a spinal cord injury.

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How You Can Help

Even with strong insurance, many essential needs are not covered. The family is raising funds to help with Alex’s most urgent medical and accessibility expenses, including:

• Power wheelchair – partially covered by insurance, but requires an estimated $10,000 out-of-pocket.

• Manual wheelchair – custom chair needed before discharge, essential for mobility and recovery. (Estimated: $5,000)

• ROHO cushion – prevents further skin breakdown. (Estimated: $500)

• Ramp for home access – without it, Alex cannot enter or exit his house. (Estimated: $5,500)

• Shower chair – medical-grade equipment to bathe safely and with dignity. (Estimated: $4,000)

• Physical therapy – once insurance caps are reached in September, sessions become out-of-pocket at $150–$200 each. (Estimated: $7,000–$9,000 through year’s end)

• In-home health aide support – not covered by insurance, but essential for daily and overnight care. (Estimated: $4,000–$11,000 per month)

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Our Fundraising Goal

We are aiming to raise $30,000 to help cover the most immediate and essential expenses needed to support Alex’s transition home.

This amount does not include the substantial hospital and ICU bills already incurred from his emergency surgery and four-month inpatient stay, nor does it cover future medical supplies, equipment rentals, and long-term therapy costs. But reaching this goal will make an enormous difference in giving Alex safety, dignity, and the best chance at recovery.

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Thank You

Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward easing this financial burden and helping Alex move forward. On behalf of Alex and his family, thank you for being part of his support system.