Hi everyone! Thank you for donating and sharing this GoFundMe with your networks. Please continue to share and get the word out, Brian has a long and expensive road to recovery.

We received this encouraging update from Brian's family on January 19th:

We are witnessing small miracles every day. Brian continues to show us just how strong he is. Over the last few days, he has started responding to our voices and following commands—he even gave us a double thumbs-up and wiggled his toes when asked!

​One of the most beautiful moments was seeing him recognize my voice and offer a slight nod while the doctors and nurses were in the room. The medical team has now reduced his medication and dialed back the ventilator, and we are praying that he’ll be breathing entirely on his own very soon. Our hearts are full and our spirits are high. Thank you for the endless prayers and support—they are working." #BrianStrong

We received this update from Brian's family on January 14th:

It has been a week since Brian was admitted to the hospital, and while the road has been difficult, we are seeing the power of hope in real-time.

​Yesterday, Brian underwent a grueling six-hour surgery to stop the fluid leaking from his brain. We are so incredibly grateful to share that the surgery was a success. He has been under the watchful eyes of an amazing medical team every moment since, and today, he is finally resting.

​While he still relies on a ventilator to help him breathe, we see small signs of his strength returning every single day. We are holding onto the hope that in the coming days, he will be able to breathe on his own once again.

​To everyone who has reached out—we truly feel the cocoon of love you have built around us. Your prayers and your kindness are the fuel getting us through these long hours. Please continue to keep Brian in your hearts; we still have a very long journey of recovery ahead of us, but knowing we aren’t walking it alone means everything.

​Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. You are all so deeply appreciated.

Please help us help Brian!

On January 7th, our beloved former student, Brian Wallace Jr., suffered a severe, penetrating head injury. Brian is currently in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Los Angeles General Hospital. Brian is stable but remains on a ventilator as his medical team continues to evaluate his condition and prepare for next steps, including surgery. The doctors and nurses at L.A. General are providing exceptional care, but due to the severity of Brian's injury, Brian’s healing journey will be a marathon, not a sprint.

A bit about Brian "Poody" Wallace Jr:

Brian is a charismatic and caring 9th grade student who lights up every room he enters and is often the first to help someone in need. Brian brings joy to those around him, often with a joke or a moment of kindness that makes others feel seen. Brian is a skateboarder, a soccer player, and a gamer. Brian is thoughtful, mature beyond his years, and deeply loved by his family and friends.

Brian attended Arts in Action Community Charter Schools for many years, first at our elementary school and then at the middle school, graduating 8th grade last year. Brian is a beloved member of our Arts in Action community.

Over the last eight months, Brian has already demonstrated remarkable resilience after Brian's father, Brian Wallace Sr., passed away after a long and difficult illness.

The Need for Support

We started this GoFundMe with permission from Brian's family because Brian's mother, Denise, is in urgent need of support. Having recently lost her husband, Denise is now the sole provider and caregiver for her family. Due to Brian's critical condition, Denise has been by Brian's bedside 24/7, which is makes it impossible to work during this time.

The financial strain is growing rapidly, and includes:

Our hope is to lift the financial burden from Denise so she can focus on what matters most: Brian’s healing. Please help us help Brian and his family by:

Brian's family will continue to share updates as they become available.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity during this time. We love you Poody! Keep fighting!