Jim Colson
Donation protected
On 11/8/14 Jim Colson fell and hit his head. He suffered 2 brain bleeds and a subdural hematoma. His cut required staples to close the 5 inch wound in the back of his head. By the next day, he was in a coma and having seizures. He was transferred from St. Luke's Hospital to Westchester Medical Center within 2 days. Jim was also put on a ventilator to help him breathe. He was in a coma for 4 weeks and on the ventilator for 6 weeks. Doctors could not tell us when he would wake up or if he would be able to move or have any memory of his family.
Luckily when he woke up, he was able to communicate by blinking his eyes, doing a thumbs up or squeezing our hand to answer simple questions. Since Jim was on the ventilator for so long, he lost the ability to speak, eat or drink.
On 1/2/15, he was transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital in Haverstraw for intense physical therapy. They worked very hard and within 3 months Jim had started walking with the assistance of a walker and sometimes had to use a wheelchair. His voice was getting back to normal and he was able to start eating again. He was able to come home and be with his family.
On 4/10/15 Jim had another fall and started having severe seizures. He has been in the hospital since then and is now back at Helen Hayes for physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Since 11/8/14, Jim as been unable to work as a limousine driver and the medical bills have begun to pile up for his family.
Jim's goal is to walk on NFA's football field on June 25th to see his youngest son, Brendan, graduate from high school. He always has such a positive attitude toward his recovery and always has a smile for all of the employees at Helen Hayes. They are truly miracle workers. ***UPDATE*** Uncle Jimmy is still fighting the fight but hasn't been told yet that his sweet and sassy Mom passed away on April 30 because we are fearful that it will set him back further. Making choices during times like this are so hard, and we are all doing our best. We spent the day with him today (May 17) and he is so inspiring. He loves his family so much and has lost the ability to provide for them......every little bit helps! Thank you so much!
Luckily when he woke up, he was able to communicate by blinking his eyes, doing a thumbs up or squeezing our hand to answer simple questions. Since Jim was on the ventilator for so long, he lost the ability to speak, eat or drink.
On 1/2/15, he was transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital in Haverstraw for intense physical therapy. They worked very hard and within 3 months Jim had started walking with the assistance of a walker and sometimes had to use a wheelchair. His voice was getting back to normal and he was able to start eating again. He was able to come home and be with his family.
On 4/10/15 Jim had another fall and started having severe seizures. He has been in the hospital since then and is now back at Helen Hayes for physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Since 11/8/14, Jim as been unable to work as a limousine driver and the medical bills have begun to pile up for his family.
Jim's goal is to walk on NFA's football field on June 25th to see his youngest son, Brendan, graduate from high school. He always has such a positive attitude toward his recovery and always has a smile for all of the employees at Helen Hayes. They are truly miracle workers. ***UPDATE*** Uncle Jimmy is still fighting the fight but hasn't been told yet that his sweet and sassy Mom passed away on April 30 because we are fearful that it will set him back further. Making choices during times like this are so hard, and we are all doing our best. We spent the day with him today (May 17) and he is so inspiring. He loves his family so much and has lost the ability to provide for them......every little bit helps! Thank you so much!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kim Grogan
Organizer
Newburgh, NY
Patrice Colson
Beneficiary