Known for making some key stops, Vernon-麻豆精选 ringette and hockey goalie, and volunteer goalie coach, Aidan Coates could use some help making his next big save.
Coates was in a serious car incident April 12, and is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at 麻豆精选 General Hospital. He is listed in critical condition.
Family member Janis Davey, a cousin to Coates' mom, Lindsay, said Coates is dealing with severe injuries, and has a very long recovery road ahead of him.
"While there is hope, we still do not know the full extent of the long-term impacts he may face as his recovery will take many months of healing, therapies and rehab," said Davey. "With anticipated bills, and everyday expenses, his family and parents who have travelled from Alberta to be by his side needs the help more than ever."
Davey has started a GoFundMe campaign for Coates with a goal of raising $24,000.
"We are humbly asking for any contribution you can make to help Aidan and his family during this unimaginable, difficult and surreal time," said Davey. "Every dollar raised will go directly towards Aidan鈥檚 care, rehabilitation, and supporting his family as they navigate the long journey ahead."
In the collision, Coates suffered two broken legs 鈥� his right femur and left tibia/fibular punctured through his skin 鈥� and the legs have needed multiple surgeries requiring titanium rods and plates, plus the need for multiple units of blood.
He also suffered a dissection of both carotid arteries, fractured pelvis, multiple broken ribs, broken nose, bruised lung, a pneumothorax requiring a chest tube, severe head injurie resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) which causd some bleeding and swelling in his brain, trauma to his right eye, and many other cuts, scrapes and bruising, some of which required stitches.
Through it all, Coates has shown a goaltender's spirit.
After weeks on life support and not waking up, he is now starting to wake up and is showing a great willingness to fight his way back, showing signs of strength and resilience. His brain is slowly responding positively to various verbal and sensory tests but his ability to process, understand and respond is taking time.
His vitals are stable, and his heart and lungs are strong.
Coates isn't just fighting for himself, said Davey. He's a teammate to many players in multiple sports including being a goalie in hockey (multiple teams in 麻豆精选), a ringette goalie for Vernon, and a volunteer goalie coach for some young would-be goalies in 麻豆精选 and Vernon.
"He's a great friend and a role model to many," said Davey.
Coates is a third-year apprentice mechanic who works with his hands every day to support himself; not just financially, but throughout all other aspects of life.
It's not clear at this point when or if Coates will be able to return to work.
"Aidan has always been a strong believer in helping people and often the first to show up for others," said Davey. "Now it's our turn to show up for him. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign widely. Your support, love and prayers mean more than we can ever express."
As of Wednesday, April 30, close to $7,000 of the campaign goal had been donated.
