Cruisin' for Brian
JUNE 25, 2010
RAINDATE: JUNE 26, 2010
HARDEE'S EXIT 417 DANDRIDGE
Donations accepted to help offset medical expenses.
100% of the proceeds collected will be used to pay Brian's bills as they incur.
Brian is the grandson of Dandridge residents and Hotrod owners, Don & Lois Johnson.
For more info please call Don Johnson at 609-202-8132
HISTORY OF BRIAN'S HEALTH
Sunday, May 2, 2010, after having no prior symptoms or illnesses, 15 year old Brian Atkins, Jr., went into cardiac arrest. Brian was at home when he received a phone call form his good buddy Josh who asked him to come down the street to a confirmation party being held by his friend Kristin's family. Apparently Josh was being over run by all of the 4 year olds at the party and needed a bail out. Brian showered and down the street he went. When he arrived at the party, he told Josh that he could not see very well, and then collapsed. They called 911 and waited for the EMTs to arrive. While waiting, a retired nurse who just happened to be at the party started CPR on Brian. This would turn out to have a huge impact on Brian's recovery. The paramedics arrived and took over CPR. They tirelessly worked on Brian for 90 minutes before retrieving a pulse. During this time, it was suggested twice by doctors that they stop and "call it". Thankfully, the EMT's ignored their requests. After regaining a pulse, Brian was being stabilized at the Christiana Hospital by lots of machines and medications. Brian remained unconscious for several days while recovering from the trauma. During this time, he would experience several set backs. Apparently one of the techniques used to help his heart pump stronger was restricting the blood flow to his right leg. This caused severe muscle and tissue damage and now it is determined that he may lose his leg and or foot from the knee down. Brian has had to overcome obstacle after obstacle to reach his current condition. Brian has since been flown to the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania and then sent to the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania where he is currently still recovering. Brian is stable now with all of his organs functioning on their own and miraculously, no brian or heart damage. He receives dialysis several times a week to remove the toxins from the leg out of his body. This keeps him in a weakened state and leaves him nauseous and with no appetite. Brian has proven to be an exceptional fighter and truly is a living miracle! The road ahead will no doubt be a stuggle and have a lasting affect on him and his family. Many seen and unseen expenses are yet to come that we know insurance will not cover. With your thoughts and prayers, Brian will continue on the road to a full recovery and come home soon. God obviously has a job for Brian to do right here on Earth!