A Maple Ridge man has been left paralyzed after a motorcycle accident in Edmonton last Saturday, May 23.
The victim is a Canadian Armed Forces member, and was left immobilized from the chest down following the crash while away from his base in Wainwright, Alberta.
He suffered a damaged carotid artery and paralysis. Kym Prefontaine Hansford is organizing an online fundraiser for his nephew Kublai.
“Right now, doctors cannot tell us if this paralysis is permanent,” wrote Hansford. “We are holding onto hope, but what we do know for certain is that Kublai faces an incredibly steep, grueling road to rehabilitation and recovery.”
His parents rushed to Alberta to be at his hospital bedside, where they remain now. He is part of a family of six, and his three younger brothers, all under the age of 11, are being cared for by family.
The military provides limited support for family, and will provide benefits for Kublai in recovery, and life changing supports, and funding for caregivers. However, these supports do not include any specialized wheelchairs or extra curricular supports like gaming chairs, or bills for travel other than for parents, so his three younger brothers can’t fly out.
The online fundraiser aims to cover immediate travel, lodging, and living expenses for his parents, so they can afford to remain by Kublai’s side in Edmonton.
Funding is also needed to support Kublai’s future rehabilitation, specialized medical care, and the long-term recovery needs that lie ahead.
“No family should have to choose between paying their bills and sitting beside their critically injured child in a hospital room,” said Hansford. “If you are able, please consider donating to alleviate this immense burden.”
The goal is to raise $12,000, and already almost $4,000 has been raised. See gofundme.com.