My name is Jenn Powell. My friend, Kevin Courage, was in a terrible accident back in April. He was t-boned in the intersection of 13th & 23rd by an uninsured driver. He has been diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome. His beloved dog, Piper, was with him and luckily left the accident unscathed, although now terrified of vehicles.

Kevin tried to return to work at the City of Gainesville, but after having a seizure at work, he has had to take a leave of absence. Filling out his FMLA paperwork has proven difficult as his brain injury is severely interfering with his everyday life. Luckily, he was insured and also has health insurance, but the bills are quickly piling up. I plan on helping with his paperwork since he is having difficulties.

Kevin worked at MLK Community Center for almost a decade as a part-time employee until he took a full-time position at Northwest Park next to the Senior Center.

I have known Kevin for quite a few years as we have many mutual friends, and we crossed paths again due to my work with the CWA, the union that represents city workers. I only found out about his accident because I was calling to see if he received his union election ballot.

Doctors have advised him to stay off social media and avoid all screen time because of his injury. The confusion and fear in his voice have left me wanting to help. If you know anything about TBI, it can be quite devastating and unpredictable, luckily I think he will improve and is in good spirits.

I’m reaching out to my friends, our mutual friends, or anyone who can help in hopes we can get Kevin some financial relief (at minimum) while he navigates his path to healing after everything that has happened.

If you can pitch in a few dollars, please do. If you know Kevin and might be able to lend a helping hand, I’m sure he would appreciate that, although he seems the kind of person who is very independent. I will be helping with his paperwork and offered to pick up groceries, etc.

This could happen to anyone. It took one person racing to catch a light before it turned red, and his life has been altered.