Help Kelly support Chad in his recovery and rehab

On the morning of July 31, Chad was hit by a car while crossing Lake Shore Drive on his bike. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet, but he still suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. The EMTs took him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to treat swelling on his brain.

On August 18, he moved to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab for inpatient rehabilitation, where he spent three hours each day doing physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. After a week at rehab, Chad began to experience mental status changes, and he was sent back to Northwestern for evaluation. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with pneumonia, intubated, and treated for sepsis. We expect him to return to inpatient rehabilitation soon and remain there for several weeks, but this setback has shown what a long and difficult haul this will be for Chad and for Kelly, who has been at his bedside every day.

When Chad graduates from inpatient rehabilitation, he will be discharged to home where he will need around-the-clock support. He will also need to continue his therapy as an outpatient, which will require traveling back and forth from home to rehab three to five days a week. We have started this Go Fund Me for some of the costs associated with this formidable challenge (or righteous challenge, as Chad would say), which have been exacerbated by their combined lost wages during this time. These include the costs of temporarily moving to a first-floor apartment or one with an elevator (Chad will not be ready to navigate their three flights of stairs), to pay for Kelly's travel back and forth to the hospital and rehab facility, and to help to care for and board Chad's beloved dog Abby while Kelly and Chad temporarily relocate. We know Abby will be integral to Chad's recovery -- he's already asking for her! Kelly has had to take a leave of absence from work since the accident to care for Chad, and our support will enable her to continue to concentrate on helping Chad heal and get stronger. Thank you for your continued support of Chad & Kelly (& Abby!).

(please note - fund's will be distributed to Cathy Blair, Kelly's mom to be given to Kelly)