Appleton, WI – A routine chore turned tragic when 15-year-old Brett Jedwabny suffered severe injuries in a freak power washer accident, prompting his emergency airlift to Children’s Wisconsin Hospital. Initially fearing the worst, Brett’s parents, Tyler and Nicole Jedwabny, received a devastating prognosis upon his arrival.
“We got some news that no parent ever wants to hear,” Tyler Jedwabny recounted. “It’s more probable than not that we might not be able to bring Brett home.”
However, just two days later, Brett’s condition showed unexpected signs of improvement, bringing a wave of hope to his family.
“Today, to get the news of ‘man, on Wednesday, I would have put everything I own down on your son not being here,'” Tyler shared, quoting a nurse. “‘I would have lost if I was in Vegas.'”
Tyler expressed gratitude for the nurse’s encouraging words, reflecting on the progress Brett has made.
“Your son did not make baby steps today. Your son climbed a mountain. Those words give me shivers now.”
Describing the accident, Tyler explained that Brett had taken a break from studying to clean a wheel cart in the backyard using a power washer, a chore reflective of his uncommon diligence.
“His breaks are not conventional for the normal kid. He’s not gonna rush to a video game.”
During the cleaning process, disaster struck when the power washer inadvertently struck a tire, causing it to shatter and propel debris into Brett’s right eye and skull, rendering him unconscious.
“He was devoted to help others at all times and understood there’s greater things in life than yourself.”
In response to the overwhelming support, a family friend launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid with medical costs, initially setting a goal of $40,000. Remarkably, this goal was surpassed within just two days, underscoring the community’s solidarity with Brett and his family during this challenging time.