A fundraising campaign for a local man suffering from brain injuries following a pedestrian collision has reaches over $60,000.
On Oct. 4, Graham Yeulet, a journeyman Red Seal Instrument Mechanic at Canfor, was struck by a vehicle in the pedestrian crosswalk at Ospika Boulevard and Davis Avenue while out for a job before work.
He was rushed to the UHNBC hospital in Prince George with several broken bones and a severe head injury. He was immediately put on life support.
That night he was flown to Vancouver General Hospital due to the condition of his brain. His injuries included: skull fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and several other fractures. He underwent several surgeries to repair his leg, as well as his clavicle.
Yeulet is still in the Intensive Care Unit in VGH but he is not able to respond to commands at this time. His brain injuries are very severe and are dispersed throughout his brain. His injuries will require Yeulet to undergo extensive rehabilitation over the next couple years including speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy.
His partner Julie was able to fly down with Yeulet and has been by his side ever since.
A GoFundMe page dedicated to raising funds for the couple was created on Oct.16 and has already raised $64,651, as of publication on Oct. 18.
“These injuries will affect both of them for the rest of their lives,” states the GoFundMe.
“The donations from the page will be put towards supporting Graham and his partner, Julie, in order to pay bills, mortgage payments, and travel and living expenses, as well as to create savings for their uncertain future.”
Julie and Yeulet’s mother, Kathy, are staying in Vancouver while he begins his recovery journey. The family says they anticipate that in the immediate future Yeulet will not be returning to his job as an instrument technician.
“We do not want him to worry about financial burdens as he begins his recovery,” states the GoFundMe. “If you have met Graham or his family, you would have encountered their kindness and support of the Prince George Community that they have always called home.”
Yeulet was struck at the same intersection where city crews recently upgraded the crosswalk feature including a rectangular rapid flashing lights with push-button activation to alert drivers.
You can donate to the fundraiser for Graham Yeulet here.
