Help Annie & Dane Adjust to New Life

On the evening of October 21st, 2020 Dane was on his way home from work, like any other night, when all of a sudden a vehicle coming the opposite direction came flying head on into Dane’s truck.  After that Dane and Annie’s lives would never be the same.  Dane was rushed to the hospital and placed in a medically induced coma, which he stayed in for two months, but at that point it was uncertain whether Dane would even wake up.  He had a fractured skull, fractured face, several broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a brain bleed, and a bruised heart, among other things.


Once it became a little more optimistic that Dane would wake up the next question was, will he be at the same mental capacity when he wakes up?  Annie stayed by Dane’s bedside every day, missing weeks of work, until visitation was stopped due to Covid-19.  The stress took a toll on Annie and she was thrilled when he woke up, even though she couldn’t be with him.  Upon waking it was discovered that Dane was still in good mental condition, just very confused about the situation.  Dane eventually moved from the ICU to another floor at the hospital where they worked to get him off the ventilator and trach tube he had in.


While there Dane developed a severe infection after a central line was inserted, it took hospital staff weeks to find the infection, during that time he had extremely high fevers which threatened his life.  The infection also caused Dane to need a colostomy bag, which he still has, and requires constant upkeep.


He was eventually transferred down to the Detroit Medical Center rehab in January. The DMC was allowing visitors, so Annie was finally able to see him again at this point.  Dane worked extremely hard to regain the ability to walk, however he hasn’t been able to use his hands and arms since the accident due to his brain injury causing nerve damage.  After being in hospitals for all those months Dane finally came home on February 17th.


Even though it is an extreme blessing that Dane was able to come home, every day is a struggle for Annie and Dane.  He needs constant care, which has required Annie having to stay home from work.  Her only other option would be to hire in home care, which she would have to pay for out of pocket.  His medical expenses are already very overwhelming.  It is unclear whether Dane will ever be able to work again, his physical capabilities are still very diminished and the brain injury has had some lasting effects.


Annie and Dane are not the type to ask for help at all, but if anyone needs it right now it’s them.  I had to beg her to allow me to create this.  With both of them not working, medical expenses, and their bills, it’s all too much.  Any assistance from the government has not materialized and doesn’t look like it will anytime soon.  Anything that you are able to give would do so much for the two of them.  They are both so young and looking at a hard road ahead.  Even if you can’t donate financially, your prayers are very much appreciated for strength for both of them.