Community rallies around husband, father injured in accident

Brad Gibbons and his son Anthony.

Ashley Gibbons received the call all wives dread on July 30 – her husband Brad Gibbons, who works as a bartender at Destrehan’s Sports Pub & Grill, was involved in an accident while riding his new scooter.

Brad’s initial injuries included a broken rib, fractured skull and two brain bleeds. On Aug. 2 he underwent brain surgery to stop a third brain bleed, and at around the same time he suffered from a massive stroke.

Initially unable to speak or move the right side of his body, Ashley said Brad is making small progresses daily. He is currently in rehab at Touro receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy.

While the accident has greatly impacted their entire family, Ashley said the couple’s 10-year-old son Anthony has been the most affected.

“Anthony is his world,” she said of Brad. “They are best buds. That’s the most heartbreaking part of this entire situation – a son who misses his father and wants to know when he’s coming home.”

Brad’s sister Heather Gibbons said while the family is praying that Brad makes a full recovery, the reality is his future is unknown.

“I truly feel like each and every day a piece of my heart is being ripped out of my chest,” Heather said. “He’s 42 years old. He worked out every day and was in the best shape he’s ever been in … the doctors say that’s really going to help him recover.”

Brad wowed his therapists and doctors yesterday when he was able to take a couple of steps, and Heather said his speech is slowly improving as well.

Because of coronavirus precautions, only one person can visit Brad each day. Anthony has only been able to Facetime with his father.

Brad, Ashley and Anthony Gibbons

“He was the major provider for his family, and needless to say he’ll be out of work indefinitely and the medical bills are surely accruing,” Heather said. “I had someone I’ve never met before offer to do a fundraiser for him … he’s just loved by so many … I can’t stress that enough.”

Ashley said numerous community members and local businesses have contributed to funds for the family.

“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring from the community who are willing to help my family and I during this time,” she said. “If you would have told me a few weeks ago that the fundraisers would amount to what they have, I would tell you that’s impossible. It goes to show how much Brad is loved.”

Heather said Brad is an indescribable human being.

“He loves his family with all his heart,” she said. “He’s a great brother, husband and father. My children adore him. My 12-year-old daughter is absolutely crushed. She cried like I’ve never heard her cry after he had his brain surgery. My 9-year-old son doesn’t share his feelings much, but I know he misses him.”

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Brad and his family and can found at www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-brad-gibbons-and-his-family. A Venmo account, @BradandAshleyGibbons, is also available to accept donations.

 

About Monique Roth 919 Articles
Roth has both her undergraduate and graduate degree in journalism, which she has utilized in the past as an instructor at Southeastern Louisiana University and a reporter at various newspapers and online publications. She grew up in LaPlace, where she currently resides with her husband and three daughters.

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