On January 24, 2025, Brendan’s life was changed forever.

Brendan was driving to his college classes when he was struck by a garbage truck. The paramedics knew how bad his injuries were and immediately took him to St. Louis University Hospital. This decision likely saved his life. At SLUH, Brendan had a craniotomy to relieve pressure on his brain. After several weeks at SLUH, Brendan was transferred to Select Specialty Hospital. He was there receiving bedside therapy and more time to heal. From Select, he went back to St. Louis University Hospital to have the bone flap replaced in his skull. After some time healing, he was transferred via Angel Flight to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. It was at some point at Shirley Ryan that it is believed Brendan came out of the coma but is still in a disorder of consciousness.

Because insurance would only pay for 60 days of inpatient therapy, it was necessary to move Brendan again. He is currently inpatient at On With Life in Ankeny, Iowa. The good news is that Brendan’s evaluations have been getting better and he’s much closer to being considered “emerged” from the disorder of consciousness. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know how long it will be before he fully emerges.

Terry and Susie may soon be making the decision to bring Brendan home. This means they will need to purchase a few things sooner rather than later. Because Brendan no longer has a trach, they can transport him themselves. For this trip back home and all the appointments he will have, they will need a van with a lift to accommodate a wheelchair. They are currently looking for a used one. They will also need to add a wheelchair ramp to their home. It is our hope as Brendan’s extended family, that with your help, we can raise the funds to purchase a van and the ramp in order to alleviate a little of the financial strain they are facing.