Help get Carter transportation to see the world

Meet Carter, an 11-year-old boy with a heart of gold that has been the heartbeat of any gathering, spreading laughter and warmth wherever he goes. Carter’s infectious spirit has touched everyone he has met, and he would go to great lengths to put a smile on your face. Carter’s heart is pure, driven by love and kindness, and a deep appreciation for his family and friends. Carter’s favorite color is red, and he enjoys Funko pops, Marvel (especially Venom and Deadpool), science, pizza, Oreos, being outdoors, his favorite brown blanket, and his dog Cowboy. Carter also enjoyed riding his dirt bike with his brothers, Owen and Parker, around the farm.

On November 8th, 2024, Carter’s life drastically changed. Carter was a victim of a hit and run. Being left lying in the road, Carter was deprived of getting swift medical attention that may have inadvertently altered the ultimate outcome for this heroic young boy. Carter suffered a severe Traumatic Brain Injury, along with numerous other injuries. After 5 months and 14 days in Akron Children’s Hospital, Carter was finally able to come home. Throughout his journey, Carter has shown remarkable determination to make progress and fight to live his new "normal” life.

Carter resides in the care of his father, Joe. Although Joe was able to start preparing for Carter's return home, the reality set in, and there was no way to be 100% prepared. Carter now requires 24-hour care, even when most people are asleep. 72 hours prior to Carter's release, Joe received a terrible call informing him that the 72 hours a week of nursing care that was set up was no longer available. Carter now requires specialized care, so not just anyone can stay with him. This only left Joe, Joe’s girlfriend Connie, and Joe’s mother Kathy to provide care, as they completed the training for Carter to be able to come home. Joe, Connie, and Kathy were sharing the 168 hours of care for Carter, along with all working full-time jobs and caring for the other children of the home. Within 1 week of coming home, the home health company was able to start providing 60 hours of care per week! This allows Joe and Connie to be able to go to work to provide for the family, which was a Godsend.

Carter’s family is the strongest family, and Carter has the best care with the most love, but they are still struggling. The number one goal, amongst a handful of other items, would be to get Carter a handicapped accessible vehicle. This would be a huge help in getting Carter back and forth to Akron for his many, many follow-up appointments. This vehicle would also provide community inclusion and allow Carter to be involved in attending events for his siblings such as band concerts, graduations, baseball games, and theater plays. Carter deserves to have a life outside of a hospital bed, not in a room surrounded by the same four walls every day. Once this goal is achieved, we will then work towards getting him a communication tool. This item will give Carter the power to communicate with others!!

I know many of you donated to the previous GoFundMe campaign organized by Carter’s mother, and we cannot thank you enough. These donations were instrumental in helping with the travel costs back and forth to Akron Children’s Hospital, and these funds were split between Carter’s father and mother. I am hoping that we can come together again for this little boy and help him be able to experience the world. Thank you so much for your help!