On a routine summer day in 2023, the Brannin family's lives were changed forever in an instant. Kyle Brannin, his wife Amanda, and their three children Eli, Taylor, and Olivia were involved in a devastating car accident that has left lingering physical and emotional scars. Now, Kyle is on a mission to raise funds to cover the substantial medical costs while also providing support, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy for his kids during their recovery process.
The Accident
In a Facebook live video posted shortly after the accident, Kyle recounted the tragic details through tears. Amanda had taken Olivia to daycare that morning like any other day. But on their drive home, another vehicle collided with theirs. The impact was catastrophic. Amanda tragically did not survive the crash. All three children sustained injuries but miraculously survived as well.
"When I got to the scene, I couldn't believe what I was seeing," Kyle said. "The car was mangled beyond recognition. I'm just thankful my babies are alive but it tears me up that their mom won't be here for them." Emergency responders rushed the children to the hospital where doctors worked diligently to assess and treat their injuries.
Injuries and Recovery in the Hospital
Eldest son Eli, 13, suffered two broken vertebrae in his back along with a fractured neck vertebra. Middle child Taylor, 12, broke his left arm and required 18 stitches for a deep leg laceration. Youngest daughter Olivia, 8, broke her sternum in the impact. All three children faced difficult recovery processes both physically and emotionally.
For over a month, the children recuperated in the hospital under around-the-clock care. Eli endured several procedures to stabilize his neck and back injuries. Taylor had multiple surgeries to repair his arm fracture with metal plates and screws. Olivia's broken sternum healing more gradually. Through it all, Kyle maintained a constant bedside vigil, comforting his children in their pain and confusion over losing their mother.
Transitioning Home and Ongoing Needs
By late September, the doctors determined the children were stable enough to continue their recoveries at home under Kyle's care. But the transition presented new challenges. Eli still required neck bracing and could not bend or lift anything for months. Taylor's arm remained immobilized in a bulky cast. Olivia fatigued easily from her injuries.
"It's been an adjustment learning how to care for three injured kids by myself," Kyle said. "Between doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, it's a lot. And emotionally, they struggle every day without their mom." Beyond the physical therapies and checkups, the emotional trauma lingers as well. All three children see a child therapist weekly to process their grief and trauma.
A Father's Plea for Help
The round-the-clock hospital care and ongoing medical costs have placed an immense financial burden on the family. Facing these challenges alone and wanting the best for his kids' recoveries, Kyle launched an online fundraising campaign in early August to help cover current and long-term medical expenses.
"I'm doing my best to be strong for my babies but it's incredibly hard some days," Kyle said through tears in a recent update video. "Any donations would mean the world right now. And please, keep the prayers coming. They give me and my children strength and hope for better days ahead."
In the two months since the campaign launch, over $50,000 has been donated by generous supporters across the country who have been moved and want to help this family through their difficult journey. But with expenses projected to last for years, Kyle accepts donations on an ongoing basis through his PayPal fund and hopes to keep awareness of their story spreading.
A Long Road of Healing Ahead
While the children's physical recovery continues to progress each day, the emotional scars of that tragic accident will likely remain with them forever. Kyle strives to provide stability, love, and a sense of normalcy through the holidays and beyond. He maintains an optimistic outlook, finding strength in his kids' small milestones. But caring for three injured children as a single father presents challenges that financial support helps alleviate.
If you have been moved by the Brannin family's story and wish to help them continue their journey of healing, please consider donating to their medical fund. Any amount is appreciated and helps ensure the children receive the care they need. Kind words and prayers are also welcomed by Kyle during this difficult time for his family.