A Michigan family is currently praying for a brother who has just suffered a serious spinal injury. Before that, he was his brother's carer.
About 8 months ago, Matthew Chaffee, 25, met a motorcycle accident, which broke more than 5 of his ribs, one of which punctured his lung. However, the more serious consequence was in his spine. One of the sections was shattered, which compressed the nerves. In the end, he couldn't use the limbs below his waist.
His brother, Adam, 23, decided live with him to take care of his brother, cooking him breakfast, helping him get up, and carrying him to his car, among others. It was certainly proof of the brother's immeasurable love.
Around a week ago, however, Adam met a serious accident himself. He was out swimming with friends when one of his companions pushed him from the dock. He tried to do a flip before hitting the water, but it turned out that water was not deep. He became severely injured. He was brought to the local hospital before he was airlifted to a bigger health care facility in Kalamazoo.
The different examinations including CT scans and X-rays revealed that he received several vertebrae fractures. One of the vertebrae, on the other hand, changed its position that it pinched the nerves severely.
Although Adam can already sense some nerve pain and sensation in certain parts of his hand, he may already be paralyzed from the neck down. Currently, he's still isn't capable of breathing by himself, so a tracheostomy was attached. He also could not talk and eat yet.
Matt is realistic: it's going to be extra difficult for both of them since they may be disabled for the rest of their lives. Nevertheless, just as his brother Adam was upbeat and positive during Matt's ordeal, Matt is also sharing the same spirit to his primary caregiver.
A family friend has created GoFundMe page for Adam and Matt, as well as for their mom, Carol. They're planning to raise $100,000, the funds of which can be used for medical expenses and other special needs like adaptive equipment. So far, they have already come up with more than $46,000.