George’s Story

Site created on May 8, 2018

Welcome to our CaringBridge website for George. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

On Sunday, April 29th George was in an ATV accident near his home in Mingo, Iowa. He was airlifted to Des Moines Methodist hospital where he is currently being treated for a diffuse axonal brain injury (Google at your own risk...). Since that day, George has exhibited a lot of hopeful signs including giving a thumbs up, snapping his fingers, and squeezing our hands. He has also been able to be taken off of the ventilator. The long term plan at this point is to get him healthy enough to hopefully be moved to a brain injury rehab facility in Chicago, Illinois near his parents, Mark and Michelle.

From the bottom of our hearts, the Fortman family would like to thank George's Iowa family. Everything you all have done to support George and us during this nightmare has been deeply appreciated. If there is a silver lining, it has been meeting all of you and knowing that George has such an awesome community that loves him.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Michelle Fortman

George as been adjusting well and is really enjoying being out of the hospital. So far he has attended a play, been shopping a couple of times, went swimming and had his first therapy session. I’m so glad he is able to continue with Shirley Ryan for therapy. His therapy will start next week, M-F every morning. They will come pick him up and drop him off everyday. 
I am looking for a sitter/caregiver to be with him M-F from about 12:00 - 5:00 if you know of anyone. I’d rather reach out to all of you to find someone before I start calling and hire from an agency. He is pretty easy going and needs someone around for safety reasons and to help him with his memory. If you know of anyone (or if you’re interested) please give me a call (630) 209-1755 and we can talk about it.
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