Where there’s a WILL, there’s a WAY!

Dearest family and friends,

My name is Amy Devor, I am William (Will, Willy) Douglas’s aunt. As many of you know, on Friday, June 23rd, Will was riding his Harley Davidson and was involved in a devastating accident. Will was critically injured and has been fighting for his life ever since. Initially, the trauma team at Tallahassee Memorial were preparing Will’s mama, Shannon, for the worst possible outcome. The doctors cautioned that the first 5 days post trauma were the most crucial. If he made it through the night, these 5 days could present Will with new struggles and complications.

Despite that warning, Will made it through every day, showing small improvements as the hours passed. We can attribute this to his pure stubborn nature and LOTS of answered prayers.

As I write this, we are on day 6 (Praise God, the first 5 days are over) However, he is not out of the woods yet. Will is in a medically induced coma and on a ventilator. He has tolerated a few life-saving surgical procedures well, but still is suffering from a fractured skull, brain injury, spinal fractures, broken ribs, broken shoulder blade and eye socket.

This has been a traumatic and terrifying walk for everyone who loves Will, but an unthinkable nightmare for his family. As you all know, we tragically lost Will’s younger brother Zachary five years ago. No one should EVER have to walk through the hell that Will’s family is currently walking through.

Although Will is showing us that he is a fighter, the fight is only beginning. Recovery from the types of injuries Will has sustained will take so much time, rehabilitation, and a menagerie of medical procedures, medications and appointments. As Will improves, he will be relocated to a residential brain and spine rehabilitation center, (located in either Jacksonville or Atlanta) requiring 8 weeks or more of rehab.

Thankfully, Will does have health insurance. However, the out of pocket costs are still nearly $10,000, and that is just the beginning. Will’s accident will be financially catastrophic for him and his mom, Shannon. Loss of income, travel expenses, medical costs, temporary relocation costs… the list is never ending.

I am asking anyone who knows and loves Will and his family to contribute, if you are able. If you know this family, you know they are givers, over-comers, survivors. When I suggested the idea of a medical fundraiser, Shannon initially hesitated, because asking for a handout just isn’t in their DNA. However, they have been through the unthinkable and have more fights ahead. Giving them some small financial relief so they are able to focus on Will’s recovery would be an incredible and life-changing gift that we would be eternally grateful for. The rest, it’s in God’s hands and plan.

With love and gratitude,

Amy Devor