Jamal's Journey to Recovery Needs You
My 19-year-old son Jamal, to know him is to love him. He is so charismatic, articulate with his words, selfless, and strives to bring joy to those around him. Jamal takes such pride in being a wholeheartedly good person, empathetic, and always caring for others. He has always lived as such a free spirit, with such determination and drive towards things he really wants. Nobody can tell him he is incapable. Immediately after high school graduation, he obtained employment with a local hospital, a job that he grew to love dearly and gave him inspiration to set goals for his future.
On January 29th, Jamal was out with a friend taking a scenic route on a motorcycle ride in Ormond Beach, Florida. Jamal was riding safely with a helmet on, below the speed limit in the area, when a vehicle from a different direction cut him off. He was then hit by another vehicle traveling behind him. Jamal was airlifted to the nearest trauma unit in hemorrhagic shock. He was put on a ventilator and sedated. He has sustained a multitude of injuries and has needed several treatments. He has a left fractured shoulder, multiple fractures on his spine, crushed pelvis and hips, a laceration on his right kidney, a wound 19cm wide on the right side of his bottom requiring multiple surgeries and eventually some reconstruction. Eleven blood transfusions and around-the-clock antibiotics. Currently, he is considered bedridden and non-weight bearing on the majority of his body. Doctors have applied an external metal fixator to hold his hips in place while the bones heal, which will require another surgery after 12 weeks. He has to have 24-hour long-term care through this entire process until he can begin rehabilitation.
The entirety of this accident has caused financial hardship for Jamal and his family with costs ranging from regular monthly bills to medical needs. Jamal will not be able to begin a normal work life until he is fully recovered. I have also had to take time from work to be by his side to ensure he is getting the best medical care possible and advocate for him every step of the way.
Myself and Jamal are asking for anyone who wants to know how they can help to please make a donation that can contribute to any financial needs that have and will incur as a result of this situation. I would also like to add that any positive comments, prayers, and words of inspiration be left so that they may aid Jamal in staying positive and keeping him mentally strong.
