As many of you know, Drake, Brandi’s son, was involved in an accident involving fire late Friday night on July 16th, 2021 that caused a mixture of 2nd and 3rd degree burns to Drake’s face, neck, chest, right arm and right hand. Drakes’ friends were able to quickly get him to the emergency room here in Kirksville, MO which we are all very thankful for. After being treated, initially, it was determined that Drake needed further treatment for his burns in a burn unit hospital. He was then flown to Iowa City, the hospital wanted to avoid any issues with his breathing/airway due to the burns on his chest and found this the best solution. Brandi, JR (Drake’s Dad), Rylea (Drake’s girlfriend) and Sharon (Drake’s Grandmother) drove together to the hospital to be there for Drake. They are only allowing 2 visitors per 24 hours and it has to be the same ones every time. So, for the last couple days Brandi, JR, and Sharon have had to alternate. Luckily, the nurses have been extremely accommodating to Drake’s social behavior and Brandi has been allowed to wheel him down to the waiting room to visit with Rylea.
After speaking with the Doctors Saturday, July 17th, they were hopeful that Drake would be able to go home either Sunday night or Monday morning with lots of at-home care and physical therapy. He was doing really well considering the circumstances. I believe they started to finally get his pain level to where he can tolerate it and his eating back to somewhat normal. Unfortunately, he has recently had a few setbacks which has now caused his hospital stay to last a little longer than expected. He is still trying to stay optimistic about the situation, but it is a struggle. Drake has a very strong and fighting attitude which I know will help him through this trying time.
Asking for help has never been one of Brandi’s strong suits, but luckily she has friends and family who will do anything for her and her family. The purpose of this gofundme is to alleviate any financial hardships that arise from Drake’s medical care and related expenses. Brandi and Drake’s family have been having to stay in a hotel during Drake’s hospital stay and the drive back and forth from La Plata, MO is not cheap. They are working on getting a room at the Ronald McDonald house, but there is a waiting list and it doesn’t look promising anytime soon. I know Brandi will appreciate any and all donations no matter how big or small. Please keep Drake and his family in your thoughts and prayers. I will update the gofundme as he progresses or if you are friends with either him or Brandi on Facebook you will be able to follow his road to recovery on there. Thank you and God Bless!!
{UPDATE FROM BRANDI}
7/19/21 -
Today has been a very hard day mentally and physically. I am having a hard time being strong watching him be tortured during shower and bandage changes. I cry almost every minute I get alone. Today we found out that the doctor is on the fence with shin graft surgery. They are knocking him out for tub time tomorrow so the can debreed the arm and neck. She will decide if we are scheduling him for surgery after that. Friends came to see him today and he loved every minute of it. He misses everyone so bad. We have more coming tomorrow and Wednesday he will be excited. The hospital was able to pull some strings and get us into the Ronald McDonald House which is a huge relief. We appreciate all the gifts of love from everyone, what amazing friends and family we have.