This is my nephew, Brendan Bryce DeLaTorre. Some folks call him Prince Charming. He is almost 23 years old...

On August 25th, 2022, Brendan was in a vehicle collision near his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was making a left-hand turn on his way to work, when he was struck by a drunk and high driver that ran a red light at 79 MPH (per LVMPD report). The speed limit is 35 MPH. Brendan was driving the car on the left...

At least one witness came to Brendan's aid; however, he was both unresponsive and trapped in his vehicle. The "jaws of life" were eventually used to extricate his body. We will never be able to adequately thank the first responders that saved Brendan's life that morning...

He was taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas, where they kept him alive.

Brendan sustained numerous injuries including a broken hip, a cervical spine fracture, and additional internal trauma requiring the removal of his spleen and repair to his colon.

Most tragically, Brendan sustained DAI (Diffuse Axonal Injury). This is a specific type of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) that is notoriously long to heal, even in best case scenarios.

Brendan remained several days in a coma, dependent on ventilation. His mom was by his side as long as visiting hours would permit.

Brendan's youth is our greatest source of hope. His brain is still relatively plastic. This means that it has the ability to rewire, at least to some extent, around damaged parts.

Both his brain and body continue to heal.

Since August, Brendan has improved greatly in many ways. He has movement and sensation on both sides of his body, (which was not always the case). He is still considered "minimally conscious" because, although he is awake, he cannot yet do things on command with consistency.

Brendan continues to struggle with bacterial infections, bed sores, and muscular atrophy. His mom helps train the nursing staff in how to care for his unique and various conditions.

Unfortunately, Nevada is limited in facilities that treat Brendan's specific brain injury, and the insurance company is disinclined to provide for his transfer to an appropriate facility out-of-state. Their current recommendation is that he be transferred to a nursing home in Las Vegas.

Brendan deserves a chance to heal and recover in a place that understands and can medically treat his condition.

Currently, the best course of action is to either pay out-of-pocket for medical transport to a facility outside of Nevada that specializes in Disorders of Consciousness, OR to outfit a home-hospital environment where his family can help attend to him during his continued recovery.

Either of these options require substantial funding...

[People often ask about seeking litigation against the other driver in order to alleviate these financial burdens. As it turns out, the benefit of any litigation is already earmarked to the very same insurance company that is currently denying care.]

We understand that not everyone has the logistical ability to contribute financially to Brendan's recovery. Brendan (and his family) also need many things that money can't buy.

• Referrals. Are you, or any one you know, familiar with "disorders of consciousness" and/or DAI? Are you, or any one you know, a neurologist or physician that might have an opinion or advice regarding Brendan's case?
• Practical Advice. Do you know anything about establishing a home-hospital environment, including advanced wound care, and IV maintenance?
• Emotional Support. Brendan has a family that loves him, and we are navigating uncharted waters... We appreciate your patience and compassion. Do you already know tragedy? Recommend a good therapist? Child therapist? Other resources or healthy coping mechanisms?
• Legal Guidance. The district attorney is pursuing criminal charges against the driver that struck Brendan, however, his family typically remains unappraised of legal proceedings as they occur. Do you know your way around the legal system?
• Anecdotal Expertise. Have you survived Traumatic Brain Injury yourself? Do you know someone that has? What worked? What didn't? Is there something that you wish someone had told you sooner?
• "Prayers". Positive thoughts, good energy, hippie voodoo, regular voodoo, kind words, hugs, food, jokes, child care, also accepted.
• Shares. Simply sharing this campaign can help us spread the word.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Brendan's story, and thank you for helping in any way that you can...

You can contact Brendan's mom, Shannon DeLaTorre, directly through Facebook Messenger, or via email at [email protected]