On August 14th in Nashville, TN my father, Michael Thomson, sustained six life-threatening gun shot wounds to the chest by an armed intruder. Upon EMT arrival, he was immediately transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center where multiple life-savings interventions and surgeries were performed by the Vanderbilt Trauma team. He sustained many injuries to vital organs and his survival is nothing short of miraculous. While at Vanderbilt, he fought hard and tirelessly to overcome his extensive injuries and prove to everyone that he's still a combat soldier at heart. Now he faces his biggest battle... a T5 spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis of his lower extremities. 

My father had an extensive and decorated career in the Army Special Forces and United States operational defense work. His colleagues repeatedly commend his strength (but also humor) during his multiple years of work and service. My father continued to work in national defense until the shooting happened. For a man who has dedicated his entire life to serving and protecting our country, I know it devastates my father to no longer have the ability to work in national defense.

Currently my father is at Vanderbilt Stallworth Rehabilitation Center in Nashville, TN. His attitude in rehab has been inspirational. There have been many days when I wonder how he has so much determination and positivity, but then I remember his motto throughout this whole experience has been "attitude is everything". As he works hard each day to overcome his injuries, he has found passion in mentoring and supporting other spinal cord injury survivors. He looks forward to continue his advocacy and mentorship of newly diagnosed spinal cord injury survivors.

In the initial days after the shooting, many of his former colleagues and Special Forces brethren reached out to myself and his wife, Jennifer Thomson, with support and offers how they could help. At the time, your ongoing love and support was all we needed and it's what got us through those initial days.

My father will be discharged home from Stallsworth Rehabilitation Center on October 27th.  We are currently in the process of extensive home modifications to bring my father back to his home. We have been advised to expect additional out-of-pocket expenses such as medical equipment, wheelchairs and accessories, specialized bed for prevention of pressure ulcers, vehicles lifts, etc. Unfortunately, we have found that insurance and advocacy organizations provide little assistance with these necessities and modifications. We are reaching out to friends and family to help contribute and assist my father in excelling in this next stage of life!