Our Solar Flare is banged up again... very, VERY badly. He's recovering from a traumatic brain injury which includes a fractured skull and a serious internal brain bleed.

Let's show this amazing human who has given so much to protect the earth what it feels like to be taken care of by a community of people who care for him.

What happened? Trigger warning: Violence

On Sunday, Jan 14 Solar was taking a walk in the evening listening to music when two men snuck up on him from behind. He became aware of their presence after receiving a blow to the head from something metal which knocked him to the ground. Both men had metal billy clubs which they used to violently beat him, causing massive brain damage. If Solar had not fought back with the knife he always carries, he likely would have died. After his attackers fled, Solar passed out for several hours and woke up along on the street with all of his possessions gone. He managed to find his way home, but his assaulters had taken his phone his wallet, and his backpack, and managed to hack into his bank account through his phone. Over $1000 was stolen from his account.

(On that note until further notice if you get messages from anyone claiming to be Solar Flare on signal, IGNORE THEM.)

Once home, friends stopped by to take care of Solar for several days. He did not want to go to the hospital but when symptoms didn't improve the seriousness of the injury became clear. His pain levels were through the roof, he could barely stand and walk without becoming nauseous and dizzy, he couldn't hear out of his right ear, his vision was doubled and blurry, and he couldn't open is mouth more than an inch. He could barely sleep. After spending a few days in the hospital, the extent of the damage became more clear. Solar is recovering from a traumatic brain injury with a serious hematoma. The doctors said its a miracle he survived. The following scans were taken.

These two show the location of the skull fracture and a close up.

His jaw is fractured as well.

This scan shows the extent of the brain bleeding. All of the white areas are pooled blood around the brain, which is what's causing the blurred vision among many other symptoms:

The recovery will be long and slow. Right now, Solar cannot work and is slowly trying to replace the most critical stolen items including his ID, and phone. He's stuck at home and relying on friends right now to help with the essentials. He is still suffering from all of the aforementioned symptoms although they are, very gradually, improving. Clearer memories from the night we was jumped are starting to come back which is a good sign that his brain is working on healing.

If you know Solar, you'll know that he doesn't like asking for help. But sometimes life dishes us out blows that remind us of why we need friends and community.

Please help us support our dear friend who has given so much to fight on behalf of the earth, by donating a little and/or sharing this fundraiser! Nobody deserves to go through something this traumatic alone. <3 <3 <3

Here is a list of everything that was taken and the associated values:

Backpack contents:

TOTAL: $2910

RECOVERY PERIOD:

It's been 3.5 weeks since the incident and Solar still can't walk more than a few blocks without losing his vision almost entirely. He wants to get back to work as soon as possible (I'm sure we all would) but realistically it will probably be at least few more weeks before he can start working limited hours.

The long term damage will take at least year to recover from, especially because Solar has already experienced numerous head injuries in the past.

HOW TO HELP:

If you'd like to help in other ways here are a few ideas:

Thanks everyone! <3