Sometimes you get lucky in life and end up with people who live nearby who become like your family – true neighbors. If you live in the Sunset Hills area, you likely know David Brown and Shanna Letner, who we are lucky enough to call neighbors. You know their house… the one on the corner of Camden and Greenway with the chickens, free libraries, flowers, the doggie water fountain, and festive seasonal decorations. If you haven’t heard yet, David (“Papa Dave” to the neighborhood kids) was involved in a devastating accident while riding one of his motorcycles with his brother near Gainesville, Georgia on Friday, October 3, 2025. David had stopped on the side of the road due to an issue with his motorcycle, and while he was stopped, logs from a logging truck struck David when the driver turned at a light. David remained pinned beneath those logs for over an hour while first responders worked to both stabilize and free him.

Thanks to those incredible first responders on the scene and the medical staff at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, David is now starting the long road to recovery. As a result of the accident, David suffered compound fractures to both of his legs (multiple bilateral complex open tibia fractures and a left open tibia shaft, to be precise) and lost a significant amount of blood. Two surgeries have already been performed at the hospital in Georgia, and a third will be performed on Monday, October 13. Sometime following that surgery, they expect to return home to Greensboro. In addition to the surgeries, the medical team continues to help stabilize David’s blood pressure and reduce swelling and has begun trying to get him upright again.

As you can imagine, David and Shanna have a long road ahead of them. Given the care and treatment that David has already undergone and will need in the coming months, it is evident that David’s medical bills will be significant. The driver of the log truck that caused this accident seems at this time to be an independent driver, and the extent to which he was covered by any applicable insurance is still being investigated. There will also be significant costs associated with David’s rehabilitation and return home. David’s injuries will require extensive therapy to get him close to where he was prior to October 3. A ramp is currently being built to help get David into and out of the house - all entrances to their home have at least a step or two. Additional equipment, such as bars in the shower or bathroom, will also be needed as David will need to re-learn how to walk and take care of himself.

Thankfully, David has Shanna, who has dedicated her life to providing care for others. Her experiences working in hospitals, as a first responder and an end-of-life care provider will be invaluable in the coming weeks and months. While the love and assistance that she will be able to provide on a daily basis will no doubt assist David in his recovery, now that her main patient is in their home, she does not plan to work outside of the home for the next few months so that her focus can be on David. This unforeseen accident has also led to expenses to cover gas for trips between Greensboro and Georgia, meals while away from home, and pet sitting while they have been in Georgia.

David and Shanna are the epitome of great neighbors. They have provided many of us with meals when we have been sick or welcoming children, helped with yard work and other home maintenance when needed, pulled trash cans to the curb when we are out of town, and checked on us when needed. They ensure that the neighborhood children have endless entertainment by providing popcorn to feed their chickens, metal-detecting adventures in their yard, art supplies, books, bubble-making supplies, and glow-sticks during block parties. Now it is our turn to help make sure that they are taken care of so Papa Dave can get back out into his yard to greet everyone with a smile. Anything you are able to contribute will be appreciated!