Richard Brandt's Medical Expenses

Our family has decided to set up a campaign for our brother, Richard Brandt . Rich is an amazing father to his 7 year old autistic son Tannen who is his world. He is a caring son and the best brother any sisters could ask for. He holds a special place in all of our lives and has always been a hardworker. He was even enrolled in college at the time of this accident looking forward to providing his son an amazing life. Two weeks ago a freak swimming accident drastically changed his life, as well as, all of ours. This accident resulted in him being life flighted to UPMC Presbyterian. We found out there that he had broken all the bones in his neck, crushed his c5 and c6 vertebrae and crushed his spinal column resulting in a complete spinal injury. He underwent surgery to decompress his spinal cord, place 14 pins in his neck and a rod down his spine. He is currently in the Neurotrama ICU. He has received a tracheostomy, has battled pneumonia and now has an atelectasis in his left lower lobe. He is able to move his left and right arm slightly with no finger movement. He is paralyzed from 4 fingers above his nipple down. Through all this he is fighting like a champ, and we will continue to fight by his side like he has done for all of us when we needed him. The goal now is to get him off the ventilator completely and on a trach mask. Once this is accomplished he will head to spinal cord rehab at UPMC Mercy. While this is an amazing blessing to have such a outstanding rehab it will not be easy. That being said this is getting extremely costly fast and will continue to add up. Rich has a long road ahead of him and we are asking for help with medical bills and equipment he will need to live his life to the fullest once he is out of rehab. We know several of you have expressed a desire to help and also understand that some can not help momentarily. That is why we want you to know how appreciated any gift is no matter the size, and if you can't donate we just ask you continue to pray. Thank you all for your love we know it means so much to him and we are so blessed to know you are with our entire family during this time.