Kicks 4 Brendan - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
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On Sunday, September 15, 2019, Brendan Cravalho fell in his yard while sweeping his sidewalk. He was rushed to Queen’s Medical Center as a neurotrauma patient after saying he could not move or feel his arms and legs. In the coming days, more details of his injury and medical condition were evaluated. These injuries included a cervical spine fracture of his C2 - C6 and a re-injury of his back, however this time it was a clean break from the front to the back of his spine. This lumbar spine fracture was to his T12 - L1. On Thursday, September 19, Brendan underwent an 11-hour surgery for decompression and fusion of his spine and back. This included the addition of 6 rods and 24 screws in his neck and back. As of today, his spine is stable and healing however, he does not have any additional movement or sensation and is currently paralyzed from his upper chest area down.
Brendan is an employee for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard with nearly 50 years serving in various positions including Apprentice Rigger, Rigger Supervisor, Rigger Shop Superintendent, Service Division Group Supervisor, Resource Manager, and Program Manager. He has played a leadership role during most of this time in Shipyard and is currently the Waterfront Logistics Manager. In 2017, he was recognized as the Federal Managers Association (FMA) manager of the year. This award is given for a person’s leadership in coordinating various teams, advocating for programs, workplace involvement/contributions, and much more. In addition to his daily work, Brendan is a servant leader. He has served on the Federal Executive Board (FEB) which helps to coordinate different departments and agencies and serves as the cornerstone for strategic partnership in the federal government. He has been the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) coordinator for Pearl Harbor Shipyard, empowering and inspiring the generosity of the Federal community to access unrestricted funds for participating nonprofits for years.
Aside from his service within his work community, Brendan is an avid volunteer in the soccer community. He has been a volunteer with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) for over 30 years serving as a coach, referee, tournament director, Regional Commissioner, Area Director, Section Director, and a member of the National Board. He most recently was the Tournament Director for the 2019 AYSO National Games in Hawaii this summer. The National Games hosted 175 teams (boys and girls) with around 2,500 players, 2,000 volunteers, and 5,000 spectators (families and friends) from around the world. Brendan is also a devout supporter of University of Hawai`i football and has been a season ticket holder, along with his family, for over 40 years. Brendan is a proud graduate of Damien Memorial School, class of 1969.
Brendan will be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado which specializes in rehab therapy for spinal cord injury. Their spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment and rehabilitation focuses on aggressively working with patients physically and psychologically, so that in a short period of time patients can maximize their neurological recovery and general health. Their clinicians and physicians educate SCI patients about all aspects of their injury and care. Their individualized, comprehensive, and family-oriented approach to inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation and treatment creates a culture of hope and possibilities, focused on returning patients home as independent and productive as possible. While at Craig, his family will be taking turns to support Brendan through his therapy and will receive extensive training in order to support his transition home.
Although much of the cost will be covered by Brendan’s medical insurance, there are many costs that will not. First and foremost will be the cost of his air ambulance and door-to-door service from Queen’s Hospital to Craig Hospital and eventually from Craig Hospital back home. This cost includes the airfare for Brendan, a nurse, a respiratory therapist, and family members accompanying him.
As Brendan and his family begin this new journey, the last thing they should be worried about is the financial burden. All donations will go directly to Brendan to cover air ambulance costs and services not covered by insurance (e.g. durable medical equipment, home healthcare, etc.) for Brendan’s healing and transition back in his home. Theodora Furtado, Brendan's sister, will be managing the funds from this campaign on behalf of `Ohana Cravalho. If you would like to send messages of encouragement to Brendan, please email [email redacted]. #kicks4brendan
Brendan is an employee for the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard with nearly 50 years serving in various positions including Apprentice Rigger, Rigger Supervisor, Rigger Shop Superintendent, Service Division Group Supervisor, Resource Manager, and Program Manager. He has played a leadership role during most of this time in Shipyard and is currently the Waterfront Logistics Manager. In 2017, he was recognized as the Federal Managers Association (FMA) manager of the year. This award is given for a person’s leadership in coordinating various teams, advocating for programs, workplace involvement/contributions, and much more. In addition to his daily work, Brendan is a servant leader. He has served on the Federal Executive Board (FEB) which helps to coordinate different departments and agencies and serves as the cornerstone for strategic partnership in the federal government. He has been the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) coordinator for Pearl Harbor Shipyard, empowering and inspiring the generosity of the Federal community to access unrestricted funds for participating nonprofits for years.
Aside from his service within his work community, Brendan is an avid volunteer in the soccer community. He has been a volunteer with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) for over 30 years serving as a coach, referee, tournament director, Regional Commissioner, Area Director, Section Director, and a member of the National Board. He most recently was the Tournament Director for the 2019 AYSO National Games in Hawaii this summer. The National Games hosted 175 teams (boys and girls) with around 2,500 players, 2,000 volunteers, and 5,000 spectators (families and friends) from around the world. Brendan is also a devout supporter of University of Hawai`i football and has been a season ticket holder, along with his family, for over 40 years. Brendan is a proud graduate of Damien Memorial School, class of 1969.
Brendan will be transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado which specializes in rehab therapy for spinal cord injury. Their spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment and rehabilitation focuses on aggressively working with patients physically and psychologically, so that in a short period of time patients can maximize their neurological recovery and general health. Their clinicians and physicians educate SCI patients about all aspects of their injury and care. Their individualized, comprehensive, and family-oriented approach to inpatient spinal cord injury rehabilitation and treatment creates a culture of hope and possibilities, focused on returning patients home as independent and productive as possible. While at Craig, his family will be taking turns to support Brendan through his therapy and will receive extensive training in order to support his transition home.
Although much of the cost will be covered by Brendan’s medical insurance, there are many costs that will not. First and foremost will be the cost of his air ambulance and door-to-door service from Queen’s Hospital to Craig Hospital and eventually from Craig Hospital back home. This cost includes the airfare for Brendan, a nurse, a respiratory therapist, and family members accompanying him.
As Brendan and his family begin this new journey, the last thing they should be worried about is the financial burden. All donations will go directly to Brendan to cover air ambulance costs and services not covered by insurance (e.g. durable medical equipment, home healthcare, etc.) for Brendan’s healing and transition back in his home. Theodora Furtado, Brendan's sister, will be managing the funds from this campaign on behalf of `Ohana Cravalho. If you would like to send messages of encouragement to Brendan, please email [email redacted]. #kicks4brendan
Organizer and beneficiary
`Ohana Cravalho
Organizer
Honolulu, HI
Theodora Furtado
Beneficiary
