Kelvin's Brain Injury Therapy

Kelvin Garner, a bright, hopeful young man, moved to the United States from Ghana to study Pre-Law at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer so he could return to Ghana and improve legal protection for victims of child slavery and domestic violence. But on June 6, 2009, Kelvin was discovered at the bottom of a pool, dressed in street clothes with his phone in his pocket, nearly drowned. He spent the next two weeks in a coma at Sacred Heart Medical Center. 

In spite of it all, Kelvin lived. He suffered a type of brain injury from sustained lack of oxygen, lost all voluntary motor function, the ability to speak or eat, and is dependent upon round-the-clock care to stay alive. In August of 2009, the health insurance policy he received through the university was canceled because he was no longer an active student. Kelvin’s family tried to get insurance for him, but it was impossible at that time because he had a preexisting condition. Thankfully, Kelvin became eligible for state Medicaid, he moved into a long-term care facility in Spokane, where he receives life-sustaining care.

Since the accident, Kelvin has struggled with ongoing muscle spasms. He had a pump surgically placed so Baclofen (spasticity medication) could be delivered directly to his spinal cord. The pump’s refills, as well as Botox injections to reduce muscle tone (hardening) from spasticity, are covered by state insurance, but there are things that would improve Kelvin’s condition and quality of life that aren’t. 

Thanks to fundraisers and his family’s determination, Kelvin has been able to use a rented set of Dynasplints (splints that correct limb contracture). He was even able to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a time. After oxygen therapy, Kelvin went from being unable to swallow whatsoever to be able to take small sips of water. Unfortunately, it isn’t covered by insurance, so Kelvin has not been able to have as much therapy as he needs. 

Traumatic brain injuries frequently result in more secretions and increased mucous production. These substances plug his lungs, blocking airways, and cause oxygen saturation to drop dangerously. We discovered another device called a Vest Airway Clearance System which vibrates to dislodge mucous plugs from bronchial walls so they can be removed. We would like to purchase one, as well as a set of Dynasplints for Kelvin, to ease the effects his brain injury has had on his body. 

We’ve witnessed significant improvement from hyperbaric oxygen therapy once and believe he will continue to progress with consistent, long-term use, but he needs a real chance to try. 

The facility where Kelvin currently lives has kept him alive, but it does not provide specialized care or unique brain trauma therapy he needs to thrive. We want to move Kelvin to a facility dedicated to brain injury rehab. There are two specific facilities being considered. Both specialize in neurological rehab after brain injury: TIRR in Houston, TX and The Carrick Institute in Dallas specializing in Bio- and Neurofeedback, as well as Vagus Nerve Stimulation, which will increase cerebral blood flow and metabolism in the fire brain, thalamus, and reticular formation.  

Medicaid will not cover facility costs because they are out of state. We believe a place specifically designed to rehabilitate brain injuries will return what injury has stolen from Kelvin and help restore his body and mind. With your help, we can give Kelvin these important therapies and the chance to live his very best life.