Dylan’s Story

Site created on July 20, 2021

On the evening of July 14th, 2021, Dylan was involved in an officer-involved shooting in his home in Mikana, WI. Dylan was shot through the neck and was med flighted to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Unfortunately, the bullet penetrated through the spinal cord which resulted in a severe complete spinal cord injury, which means he is completely paralyzed from the shoulders down. It is unlikely he will regain any movement from the shoulders down, but we are holding on to hope.  He currently has a tracheostomy (tube surgically placed in his neck) and remains on a ventilator (breathing machine) attached to the trach. They have also placed a temporary pacemaker in his heart to help him if his heart rate gets too low. (Spinal Cord injury patients can have difficulties managing their blood pressure and low heart rates due to the damage of the cord.) They have not needed to use this pacer yet. He also has a tube in his stomach which he is getting tube feeding for nutrition.  He is getting pain medication through the tube in his stomach or in IV form and his pain has been well managed. Because, of being on the ventilator, Dylan is unable to speak but he can mouth words and use alphabet communication boards to communicate. He continues to remain in intensive care but in a stable condition. He remains in good spirits but knows he has a long journey ahead of him. We need everyone’s thoughts, prayers, and love for Dylan and his family during this challenging time. 

We are also asking you to be respectful of Marge Wolff and Brad Hancock's privacy. They are requesting no in person visitors into their homes at this time. Thank you for understanding.  

We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

September 7, 2021

Journal entry by Sarah Nelson (Wolff) —

Dylan is finishing up his rehab stay in the hospital on their rehab floor and will be discharging home with family care soon.  Since the last update, Dylan has been doing well and just today they have stopped the tube feeding into his stomach tube because he is able to eat a regular diet.  He still has the trach, but he can breathe completely on his own.  They are even discussing downsizing his trach which means he is on the right track to get the trach removed all together hopefully.  Brad (Dylan’s dad) has been learning Dylan’s routine everyday to be able to care for him at home.  Once the medical equipment arrives at home the plan is to discharge.  We will update you when he discharges and is settled at home.  Please continue to keep Dylan and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  I have linked below Dylan’s GoFundMe Page as well.

https://gofund.me/6651126d

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