Hey everyone, my name is Michelle and I’m starting this fundraiser for my sweet nephew, Deacon (11 years old). On Tuesday, January 27, he was enjoying a snowy day off school with friends when he slipped climbing a hill, slid further than anyone could have stopped, and went out into the street where he was struck by a car. Those on the scene acted with incredible speed and care, and he was quickly evacuated by helicopter to University of Virginia Children’s Hospital.

Since that afternoon, Deacon has been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at UVA receiving around-the-clock care from a remarkably kind and impressive team of doctors, nurses, and specialists. He has suffered multiple injuries: a broken arm (already repaired with surgery), a broken clavicle, a broken nose, fractures around his eye and other facial bones, and most critically, a severe concussion that is keeping him unconscious. As terrifying as this is, it could have been much worse, and doctors are optimistic.

If you know Deacon, you know he’s kind and goofy and endlessly trying to make people laugh—the kid is already delivering dad jokes to perfection at age 11! He’s a year-round swimmer and a budding actor getting ready for his first play this spring. And whatever it is that he loves, he jumps right into it with his whole heart. He has an effortless way of making people feel seen and included, whether that’s sitting with the new kid at lunch, calming a nervous teammate, or happily striking up a conversation with any adult nearby. That fearless, openhearted enthusiasm is simply who he is, and it pulls everyone around him in.

We don’t know when Deacon will wake up. We don’t know how long he will need to stay in the hospital. We don’t know what the full road to recovery will look like. What we do know is that he’s a strong and resilient little kid, he is being cared for by an extraordinary medical team, and his parents, Stephanie and Daniel, are by his side every moment of the day and night. Back home, Deacon’s big brother Sawyer and their dog Ellie are being lovingly cared for by Deacon’s grandparents so Steph and Daniel can be by Deacon’s side.

Along with the unimaginable emotional toll, the financial impact is already enormous and growing. Costs include:

Even if we can’t predict every expense yet, we do know this will be heavy. Our hope is to ease that burden so that Steph and Daniel can focus solely on being with Deacon and helping him heal, not trying to figure out how to juggle the financial hit of this moment.

If you’re able to donate, we are unbelievably grateful. And if you’re not, please consider sharing this fundraiser—it truly makes a difference, and you never know who it might reach.

We will continue to post updates as we learn more. Thank you for surrounding Deacon, his big brother Sawyer, and his parents, Stephanie and Daniel, with your prayers, your kindness, and your hope during the most difficult days of their lives.

With love and gratitude,

Michelle