Julius McCusker

Julius’s Story

TBI... Before the afternoon of June 27, 2022, TBI was just a term we had heard associated with football players and boxers. TBI could certainly not be associated with our bright, funny 24-year-old son, Julius, a successful young electrician with a world of experiences before him. Julius has always been full of life, willing to help a friend or stranger in need. He has always been a very active outdoor person that loves kayaking, hiking, spending time with family, friends and his puppy Jillee.

TBI… All that changed on June 27, 2022 when Julius was involved in a single car accident and pinned between the frame and seats of his van by a fallen tree. As he lay unconscious, covered in blood from multiple lacerations, the wonderful first responders, rescue squad, firefighters, police and ambulances arrived on the scene. These medical heroes cut the tree away and used the Jaws of Life to extract him from the van, saving his life in the process. A Medical Helicopter landed in a nearby field, and the trauma team stabilized Julius before airlifting him to UVA Level 1 Trauma Center.

TBI… Traumatic Brain Injury! After hours of emergency care to stabilize Julius, we were finally able to see him. The doctors explained that among the physical breaks and laceration on his body, Julius suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, TBI. He was bleeding in his brain! The next two weeks were a blur of medical treatments to keep Julius stable, to manage the swelling in his brain, and to fight the inevitable pneumonia that comes from intubation and inactivity. Julius was in the coma for 9 days. During this time we did not know if he would or would not wake up…if he would live or die. The doctors gave us no guarantees.

Julius finally woke from his coma the day they removed the breathing tube. Nonetheless, due to his injuries, he has severe memory deficits. Julius physical strength is slowly returning, but the damage to Julius’ memory is heart breaking! His short-term memory is almost nonexistent, and his is unable to make new memories. During the course of the day, we have to remind him of where he is and why he is here several times. Each time he relives this tragic moment! This is TBI!

Julius is a 24-year old young man, before June 27, 2022, full of life and expectation for a bright successful future. However, this future is only possible with the specialized care TBI victims require during the critical first months following the injury. Fortunately, Julius has the opportunity for admission to Sheltering Arms Rehabilitation hospital. This hospital is located in Richmond, and it is one of few in the country with a program specifically designed for patients with traumatic brain injury. This hospital will give Julius every opportunity to recover as much as possible in mind, body and soul. The hospital is out of network for Julius’ insurance making the cost of the hospital extremely high. The out of pocket cost will be $22,000 for the remainder of 2022. Sheltering Arms has a room available for Julius but we will need to raise at least $4,500 for admission and the remaining balance will require payments over one year. Payments for $17,500 will still be a severe financial hardship for Julius and our family.

Julius is a very special person, and as his family, we will do everything possible to help him move forward from this terrible tragedy…..but we need your help. Please consider making a donation to Julius’s Go Fund Me Account, so that he has the best chance possible of recovery at a facility dedicated to treating victims of TBI. Even the smallest amount will make a world of difference to Julius.