On June 23rd of this year, 14-year-old Jacob Meachum was hit by an SUV that was driving over 60 miles-an-hour while he was riding his ATV. The driver of the SUV was uninsured, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. Meachum was thrown from the ATV and sustained a traumatic brain injury and a fractured neck. His doctors say he may never fully recover from his injuries.
Jacob Meachum of Plant City is sustaining himself on the love of his family and the community. On June 23 of this year, Meachum was hit by an SUV that was driving over 60 miles-an-hour while he was riding his ATV. The driver of the SUV was uninsured, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. Meachum was thrown from the ATV and sustained a traumatic brain injury and a fractured neck. His doctors say he may never fully recover from his injuries. Brandi Hobby is Meachum’s aunt and she said her nephew was full of life.
“He was always cracking jokes and making us laugh,” Hobby said. “He also gave the best hugs.”
The accident has not only been an emotional strain on the family, it’s also been a financial one as well. Meachum’s mother, Joie Shell, had to quit her job so she can stay home and care for her son.
“Everything in life has come to a halt for my sister,” Hobby said. “She has stayed strong through all of this and we are very proud of her.”
The family has covered all of Meachum’s medical bills. He will need medical care the rest of his life. Most insurance companies will send a patient home once they are medically stable. If the family is not equipped to handle their loved one at home, then the insurance company will have them transferred to a sub-acute care facility or nursing home. Hobby and her family feel that Meachum should not be in a nursing home. He is only 14-years-old. The family has started to convert their home to accommodate Meachum and his medical needs. This will cost the family $30,000 and it will add to the growing number of bills they accumulated thus far.
Michelle Stall of Aquali Salon and Spa in Valrico is a co-worker of Hobby’s. Stall and the rest of the employees of the salon decided to have a fundraiser for Meachum. “I met Brandi and her family about six years ago,” Stall said. “When all this happened, it was obvious to us that we needed to help the family.”
The fundraiser will be held at the salon on Sunday, September 9. They will have food, drinks, face painting and other events, including a bake sale. All of the proceeds with go directly to the family for Meachum’s care. The salon is looking for items to be donated for raffles prizes. Hobby knows the road to recovery will be long for her nephew, but she’s positive the family will make it through this difficult time.
“We know it’s going to be a long road to recovery but we are willing to pray and fight every step of the way,” Hobby said.
If you would like to donate items for raffle prizes or if you would like to make a monetary donation, please contact Stall at 786-1863. Aquali Salon and Spa is located at 3652 Erindale Dr. in Valrico.
