A Nashville father and his three-year-old son got crushed by a massive tree that came barreling down. The family said that they were trying to go home before a storm happened.
Jeff Colvin and his son, Judge, were released from their respective hospitals after suffering severe injuries. Jeff's wife, Shelly, and two of the family's loved ones set up a GoFundMe page. This page states that the Colvin family is now staying in a rental home in Atlanta. The same location where the father and son are undergoing outpatient rehab.
Shelly took all the courage to ask for assistance, although she knows that many have already offered, and many more are willing. She said that she is overwhelmed by the encouragement, love, and support that they have received.
They were awestruck by the grace and generosity they are provided daily, both in ways seen and unseen.
The incident almost killed both father and son
On May 3, tJeff and Judge went hiking. As they were going home, they tried to escape a storm. A 75-foot red oak tree crashed down on them. On the GoFundMe page, Shelly describes that her husband and son "came within an inch of their lives."
The tree broke Jeff's back and shattered 19 of his ribs and both of his scapulas. It even punctured his lung. On the other hand, Judge went into a coma for two weeks after suffering a "severe traumatic brain injury."
Heroes at the Monroe Carroll, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt closely and carefully monitored Shelly's son. On May 27, they transferred Judge to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHO) because Tennessee does not cover children with brain injuries in inpatient rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Jeff was at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he had spinal surgery. Shelly explained that the procedure was to fuse her husband's broken vertebrae and to insert a steel rod.
She wrote on the GoFundMe page that it is a miracle that both her husband and son survived the incident. Thankfully, Jeff could still use his legs, she added. Sadly, no one was allowed to visit due to the pandemic.
Both hospitals allowed the family to see each other
Shelly was staying with Judge during that time. She was glad that both hospitals gave exemptions so that Jeff could see her and their son for a short time. She said that it was tough for their family to be apart for the last six weeks and have no visitors.
On June 13, Jeff got released from Nashville Hospital. He was at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta to complete his rehab treatments while living in the rental home. For Judge's case, doctors have warned them that his injuries could have life-long complications.
On Wednesday, Shelly shared on her Instagram that Judge got discharged from CHOA, and they reunited as a family. Both Shelly and Jeff knew that they would need a big sum of money for the long-term therapy and care for the father and son.
They agreed to set up a GoFundMe page to seek help for their medical expenses. On June 13, they have raised over $144,000. Shelly vowed to return the favor to anyone who would support them on their journey.
Other related stories:
Couple Needs Half a Million Dollars to Save Two Sons From Rare Disease
Boy Dies of Drug Overdose, Mom Blames Pandemic fo His Depression
Family of 12 Struggles to Find a New Home After Fire Burned Their Loft
The 2010 Mystery Case of a Missing Seven-Year-Old Child
A Cattle Rancher Lost 122 Lbs.: Know Her Secret to Weight Loss
