Santana... we've got this!

On May 22nd, our son, Santana Paletta, soon to be 26 years old and the father of 2 young children, was involved in a horrific, life-altering accident after he was thrown off of a golf cart. As his body slammed to the ground his head hit on the pavement causing a traumatic brain injury. He also incurred damage to his pituitary gland, sustained an additional concussion, and cracked a rib beneath his clavicle. He has been receiving intensive therapy for speech and cognition and also receives vestibular therapy for vertigo and balance.

Santana spent eight days in the Beaumont Hospital Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and was then transferred to the Neuro Progressive Unit for an additional five days. Although he has medical insurance his bills continue to exceed the covered amount allowed under his policy. To date, he has accrued two ambulance rides, over 15 inpatient procedures, and 3 outpatient CT scans on his brain – with more to come. Although discharged on June 3rd he is still unable to drive or return to work. He has begun an intensive regime of weekly out-patient therapy and follow up medical appointments that will continue for at least the next two months. Although he still has a long road ahead of him before he returns to his prior state of “normal” his prognosis looks excellent!

The need for this GoFundMe is due to the nature of the accident, which happened on a road - not a golf course, with no other vehicles involved. In the state of Michigan golf carts are not considered motor vehicles and therefore are not covered under his automobile insurance or that of the driver. In short, he needs help to off-set the mounting medical bills.

Through this GoFundMe we are hoping to put Santana’s mind at ease by saying: “Don’t worry, we’ve got this!” Please help us get the word out by sharing this link to your Facebook Timeline! From the bottom of our hearts we would like to thank you in advance for any help that you can offer to Santana and his young family.