Help Zaiden Heal After a Devastating Hit-and-Run Accident

On July 12th, my sweet, bright, and energetic grandson Zaiden was struck by an SUV while crossing the street in a marked and lit crosswalk. The driver left the scene. What happened next changed our lives forever.

Zaiden suffered multiple serious injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, bleeding and blood clots in his brain and neck, and severe bruising to both his brain and body. His injuries were so severe that he had to be airlifted by helicopter to the hospital for emergency, life-saving care. He spent days in the PICU, sedated, intubated, and surrounded by wires — fighting for his life.

Through it all, Zaiden’s spirit has remained as strong and bright as ever. Even with a neck brace, IV lines, and hospital monitors surrounding him, he found moments to smile, laugh, and remind us all how brave and resilient he truly is.

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Who Zaiden Is

Before the accident, Zaiden was — and still is — a joyful, bright, and active little boy. He loves reading, building things with his hands, and making people laugh with his big personality and even bigger heart. He’s always been the kind of child who brings light into any room, who approaches life with curiosity, energy, and kindness.

He’s also incredibly brave and adventurous — climbing trees, exploring playgrounds, snowboarding, riding his bike, racing through obstacle courses, and embracing life with wide-eyed excitement. He was in the middle of a wonderful summer filled with play, adventure, and childhood joy.

Zaiden isn’t just physically active — he’s also an exceptionally gifted learner. At just 5 years old, he’s already reading at a 2nd-grade level, sometimes reading up to 24 books in a single day. He’s doing 4-digit addition, starting multiplication, drawing and painting incredible pictures, and diving deep into his love of dinosaurs, animals, and science.

Before the accident, he was on track to read 1,000 books before kindergarten — having already read 812 books at home. We’ve had to pause this incredible goal for now, but our hope is to give him every resource he needs to continue healing, learning, and growing into the remarkable person he’s already becoming.

Now, because of this accident, Zaiden will miss out on the rest of his summer and even recess during his kindergarten year — something so small but so meaningful to a child like him. His recovery will be long and challenging. This journey has taken pieces of his childhood that can’t be given back.

That’s the life we’re fighting to help him reclaim.

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Why We’re Asking for Help

While we are pursuing legal action, and I’m doing everything I can as his mother to secure medical care and stability, the reality is that Zaiden’s road to recovery is long, uncertain, and comes with unexpected costs.

Your donations will help provide:

    •    The resources Zaiden needs to heal, grow, and thrive without added financial stress

    •    Support for lost income during this critical recovery period

    •    Emergency funds for unforeseen complications or care needs

    •    Additional childcare and home care to help us meet his needs during this time

Every dollar helps relieve the overwhelming strain so I can focus on giving Zaiden the best possible care and the brightest possible future.

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Zaiden’s Strength Is Inspiring — But He Can’t Do This Alone

Zaiden is a fighter. He’s already surprising his doctors with his strength and determination. He’s smiling, painting, laughing, and showing us all what true resilience looks like.

But healing from a brain injury isn’t something a child should have to face alone. Your support shows him — and us — that we’re not alone in this fight.

Whether you donate, share this page, or keep Zaiden in your prayers, please know how deeply and endlessly grateful we are.

Thank you for helping Zaiden continue to smile, heal, and grow stronger every day.