I’ve always been the type to handle things on my own. Being a Detroit native, that’s just how I was raised. But I’m being honest with you all: I am struggling, and I can’t carry this weight alone anymore.
My son, Avery Matthew Johnson (aka—my heartbeat), was born in Detroit in 1999. I moved him to Austin, Texas in 2007, where he grew up and built his life. Avery has always been vibrant and full of spirit, but our world stopped when he suffered an anoxic brain injury.
The most painful part of this journey is that Avery’s injury occurred while he was seeking medical care. What should have been a step toward health turned into a life-altering tragedy.
Avery is currently in a Minimally Conscious State (MCS). Every day is a battle, and while I see my son fighting to come back to us, the medical and financial mountain in front of me is just too high for me to climb by myself. Avery deserves every chance to heal, but the specialized care he needs is beyond my reach.
I am raising funds to cover:
Neuro-Rehabilitation: Intensive programs like Rehab Without Walls that insurance won't fully cover.
HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy): To help his brain repair and recover.
A Wheelchair-Accessible Van: I physically cannot get Avery to his many appointments safely in a standard car anymore. This is a basic necessity for his care.
Legal Guardianship: Finalizing the attorney fees to ensure I can remain Avery’s voice and legal advocate.
How your support helps Avery:
$25,000 — Neuro-Rehab & HBOT: To fund specialized treatments like Rehab Without Walls and Hyperbaric Oxygen sessions that insurance won't cover.
$40,000 — Wheelchair-Accessible Van: To provide safe, reliable transport to and from his daily medical and therapy appointments.
$10,000 — Legal & Immediate Care: For attorney fees to secure legal guardianship and immediate specialized home recovery equipment.
Asking for help is the hardest thing I’ve ever done—I have anxiety just typing this—but I’m putting my pride aside for my son.
Whether you knew Avery back home in Detroit or during his years growing up here in Austin, I need your help. A donation, a prayer, or a share of this link means more than words can say. Thank you for looking out for my son and helping me fight for his life.