THERE IS NO EXPIRATION DATE ON MY GOALS!

Hi, I'm Ebony West, a caregiver and sister to a wonderful young man named John Belcher, Jr., a.k.a. "KING BELCH." He received that nickname as he played basketball through high school and college, and he resembles Lebron James, his all-time favorite basketball player. We live in Hamden, Connecticut. Our Dad and I witnessed John walk across the stage on May 23, 2010, at Eastern Connecticut State University with his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Leisure Management. John made the promise to our Mother, whom we lost on October 27, 2007, to cancer, that he would finish college no matter what. I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the time, working for a new franchise, WNBA Team, Tulsa Shock, and the plan was John would live in my house and get a roommate while I pursued my career in the "W." He received a job offer as a recreation specialist and was ready to start his life after college.

July 2, 2010, is a day we will never forget. John's life completely changed at 25 years old. John was home with his girlfriend and best friend. His best friend was leaving and came in contact with three men wearing ski masks. They were trying to enter the house, but John's best friend tried to fight back and force them out of the doorway. John heard the commotion and found his best friend distressed with the men, who started fighting back. John began to help his best friend out, and gunshots went off. John caught a bullet in his left chest that exited his neck. We live in a close-knit culdesac where we all consider each other family. My family from across the street came out of their house and saw my brother face down on the ground. The intruders fled the scene as my family members chased after them. 911 was called, and I received the second-worst call of my life. I got on the next flight to Connecticut. John was in critical condition. It was a waiting game for a few days. His spinal cord damage is between C1 - C4. John has a complete spinal cord injury. It was uncertain how John would come out of this. Some parts of his body were functioning. I'll never forget when he started to move his right index finger. We all had so much hope for John's future.

I was raised to help my loved ones out as much as I can, and if there is a way you can care for them at home, that's what you do. At that time, a program allowed you to receive the funds to modify your house for your loved one in need. John didn't want to go anywhere else but home. Despite the fact it was the home that he was injured at, it didn't matter; he wanted to go home. I was not going to leave him in a nursing home. We added a ramp and room on the side of my house for John, and he came home in the Spring of 2014. John was going to outpatient physical therapy. His future of gaining some independence looked very promising.

Unfortunately, in the Fall of 2015, a tumor was discovered in the area where the bullet exited. Surgery was scheduled for the removal of the growth. John had complications from the surgery and coded, which led to an emergency surgery that resulted in a tracheotomy tube being placed and made him dependent on a breathing machine. He continued to have some complications through the years, but the worst that could've happened to his progress was when the world shut down due to COVID-19. All his services had to stop, and it has been difficult for him to re-establish everything.

To date, John has been hospitalized every month since November 2023 with medical issues that have never come up before, such as hypothermia and seizures. We don't have the proper transportation for him, so we must rely on ambulance services or whatever the state can pay for. He misses his appointments, he's not of age to get the free rides, and we are still searching for reliable caregivers throughout the day. Our state allows him 115 hours a week. We are still waiting for the increase of 123 hours we requested in April 2023. Our dad picks up the hours that the state doesn't and is always on call. As he ages, this is a lot for our dad, but he won't leave my brother's side. He refuses to travel unless there is a solid plan for my brother's care.

I started this journey with my brother at the age of 30. It pains me to see him still in this condition and the setbacks he has endured. I'm waving the white flag now because I need help getting him to reach his goals.

John needs:

I now have a young family with a demanding job in education. John's niece and nephew, Mary and Josiah, are asking questions and want to see their uncle's progress. Josiah has learned that his uncle has played basketball and is excited to have his uncle out there with him. Josiah is just five and still learning about his uncle's condition. Josiah's favorite basketball player is also Lebron James, and he was shocked to hear that he shares the same favorite as his uncle.

We need help and resources. I must ensure I have tried everything possible to give my brother the best life possible. Stem cell success stories are on the rise. I need my brother's story to be heard and not just consider another gunshot victim. I don't want to hear, "Oh, he is just baseline." Doctors do not take us seriously until they learn John's story. I get respect in the hospital when I wear my collegiate gear. It's a struggle to get referrals and guidance.

Please help me turn these goals into a reality!