Nathan’s Story

Site created on February 22, 2020

On Friday night, February 21, 2020 at around 9PM, Nate was hanging out with his friends near Biola University in the Los Angeles area riding skateboards. Nate was in the lead and turned onto a street where he was hit by a pick up truck and suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). After spending 6 weeks in the hospital where he had multiple surgeries to save his life, Nate was brought home to be cared for by his family. Nate continues to make improvements ever so slowly but is still in a "minimally conscious" state with little volitional control of his body. We continue to pray for God to "Restore Nate" while trusting that His plan is the best plan there must be. This journey is difficult but it is our story - a story of hardship and faith! We share it as an open book hoping and praying that, as you see the hand of God at work in our lives, you would also allow Him to change your life. Thank you for being on this journey with us - we appreciate every prayer, note and word of encouragement!

"Restore Nate" Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwKda4_jTf8

Also follow us on Instagram: @RestoreNate

If you would like to donate to help with medical expenses, Helping Hands Ministry has been set up to receive tax-deductible contributions that will be redirected to us: https://hhmin.org/charities/nathan-lewis-medical-equipment-for-restorenate/ (https://www.gofundme.com/f/nathan-lewis)

Or Venmo: @djlewis110

Ways to communicate with us:

- Address: Nathan Lewis, PO Box 270705, San Diego, CA 92198
- Email: RestoreNate@gmail.com (mailto:RestoreNate@gmail.com)
- Instagram: @RestoreNate (https://www.instagram.com/restorenate/) (https://www.instagram.com/restorenate/)

Ways to Learn about our Family:

- Videos of Nate's Progress (and Dan's Sermons): Dan's YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/DanLewis74)
- Nate's Grad Video: Nate Grad Video (Drive - Hi Res) (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1IHS_dEsiShHU6p0ID8vQ1tQL1-o9yFAU)
- Lewis Family Travel Blog: https://lewisfamadventures.com/?order=asc

Ways to Help Financially:

- Medical Expenses Fundraising: https://hhmin.org/charities/nathan-lewis-medical-equipment-for-restorenate/
- Venmo: @djlewis110 (https://venmo.com/djlewis110)
- Checks: Daniel Lewis, PO Box 270705, San Diego, CA 92198

#RestoreNate
#tbi #tbirecovery #tbiwarrior #tbisurvivor #tbiawareness

Newest Update

April 11, 2024: Updated Nate-isms

Journal entry by Daniel Lewis —

Although Nate still doesn't communicate conversationally, the things that come out of his out his mouth sometimes can be anything from silly to poignant to profound. Every once in a while, he says something that makes us smile or laugh or beam with pride. 

I thought I'd share some of Nate's more recent "Nate-isms":

Touche'

<Dan turns on flashlight like a light saber>
Dan: "I am a Sith Lord. Who are you?"
Nate: "I am Obi Wan Kenobi"
Light Saber Battle ensues 
🤺🤺🤺🤺🤺🤺

Bad Religion?

<Getting ready for bed at the end of the day>
Michelle: What was your favorite part of the day?
Nate: When we prayed out loud
Michelle: Who do you pray to?
Nate: My mom
Michelle: Who answers our prayers?
Nate: DJ
🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

Self-Affirmation

Dan: I love you, Nate
Nate: I love myself
Dan: What do you love about yourself?
Nate: I love my body 
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

True Love

Dan: Nate, how much do you love me?
Nate: So much
Michelle: Nate, how much do you love me?
Nate: A little bit
🤪🤣🤪🤣🤪🤣🤪🤣
<Editorial Note: We later learned Nate says "so much" to whomever asks first and "a little bit" to whomever asks second. But, it was pretty darn funny the first time this happened!!>

Easter Party

<Easter Sunday morning wake up>
Michelle: Nate, what day is it today?
Nate: Sunday <Note: Lucky Guess!>
Michelle: You're right. It's a special Sunday! called Easter. What did Jesus do on Easter Sunday?
Nate: He danced out loud
🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺🕺

And, as a little aside, I (Dan) had the opportunity to share the gospel message of hope in Jesus to almost 200 4th and 5th graders over the course of Easter weekend. It was such an amazing opportunity to be used by God in the lives of these young men and women. I used a little chemistry to demonstrate the power of Jesus to wipe away sin. If you want to have a good visual for how Jesus defeated the power of sin and death at his resurrection on Easter morning, take a look at this:

Easter 2024 Gospel Message 4th/5th Grade (Short Version) (1:47)

Easter 2024 Gospel Messgae 4th/5th Grade (Full Version ) (10:41)

Hope you enjoyed a little peek into Nate's little personality. It comes out more and more each week!

A few pix of our recent trip to Disneyland included for fun!

Thanks for praying!

#RestoreNate

 

Read More of the journal titled "April 11, 2024: Updated Nate-isms"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Nathan Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Nathan's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Nathan

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top