Hi, it's your friend, neighbor, family member, acquaintance or maybe we only met one time, Pamela Gardner.
I have been a Registered Nurse in the ER for 25 years until my recent vision loss, I am unable to work bedside nursing at this time.
I am the one that usually takes care of everyone else.
I need help with this one.
My son, Cody Bertrand, was found lying face down unconscious in a ditch covered in ants.
He is a single father with custody of his 5-year-old son Sebastian. Sebastian is a beautiful, autistic, bundle of sunshine, energy, and joy. Cody needs our help to get through this, Sebastian needs our help with getting his daddy through this.
- On June 7, 2024, at 23:18 (11:18 pm), EMS received a call reporting a motorcycle wreck.
- The EMS and the Police Department were unable to locate Cody. When they found Cody approximately 2 hours later, his motorcycle was not with him. He was transported by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Emergency Room.
He has a broken neck, (C-7- base of the neck), with paralysis to his left arm. He has memory loss.
He has a mixture of bruises, road rash, cuts, burns, and ant bites to the right side of his face, the top of his head, and his chest.
Cody's right eye has constant double vision. He has to wear the C-collar at all times.
He has to be immobile and wear the c-collar for at least 6-12 weeks, maybe longer.
We returned to the ER on June 25, 2024. Cody started having other major medical issues pertaining to this accident that could indicate permanent damage and or a longer recovery time.
He was instructed to stay immobile; his neck is to remain in the c-collar. His Left arm they are not sure if the paralysis is from the neck injury or if it is related to something else.
The next steps for Cody.
- Follow up with the spinal surgeon, possibly the orthopedic surgeon for Cody's left arm.
- He needs to be seen by an ophthalmologist for his vision.
- Cody has so many things that need to be done, filling out paperwork, what to do to get help.
- His loss of memory at times makes it hard for him to think, he is stressing over the loss of independence, what do I do now. How am I going to keep my job, my apartment, pay daycare every week.
- How do I take care of everything? His mind is set on overthink everything mode.
- Honestly, he is scared. He has overcome many tragic life altering events, some from his carless decision making, some just happened.
- He has come very far in life to be and have what he has.
Cody does not have medical insurance; he could only afford to put his son on
This is a 'Pay it Forward' opportunity.
With everyone's help, Cody can concentrate on recovering, caring for his son, not stressing over his health, wondering if he will still have a job, bills, the lack of independence, and the length of time this will all take.
- Sebastian keeps saying, "Daddy, I love you with all my heart and soul, my heart hurts because you hurt."
- "Daddy you're going to be ok, right?"
- I will post some past history later.
- Updates, appointments, changes, and pictures later.
- (I am learning how to do all this, please be patient with me.)
On behalf of Cody, Sebastian, and myself, thank you.
Thank you for paying it forward.
May God Bless You All.