Gavin Kane

Gavin’s Story - Surviving a Car Accident, Living With A Brain Injury

What started out as a typical summer day in July for the Kane family ended as a day they would never forget. A trip was planned to an amusement park, however the day ended at the emergency room.

Gavin and his father were running errands, using the same routes they drove everyday when a car struck them from behind. Little 19 month old Gavin who sat in a car seat in the back had to be rushed to the hospital, but his father unharmed.

Mary, Gavin’s mother who was five months pregnant at the time, rushed to the hospital to meet her husband and son hoping they were going to be okay.

“My husband called and told me what happened – it was horrible. He wanted someone to drive me to the hospital, I was such a mess but I just got in the car and prayed the whole way to the hospital,” Mary said.

Gavin was in a coma and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was transferred to PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. When Gavin relocated to PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick his eyes were open, but he was unable to follow any commands.

As an inpatient at PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital, Gavin was working to become physically and medically stable again. With the nursing care and local medication his wounds and skin healed. A little boy who was once very functional now could barely do anything on his own. He needed a feeding tube to eat and he needed help to even keep his head up.

A month later, Gavin was released from inpatient care and moved back home. It was hard for the family because it was still uncertain how much Gavin would recover. Gavin was still dependent on gastric tubes in order to eat and take medication.

“Gavin became medically stable but he was still totally dependent for all mobility on top of his daily care,” said Dr. Yalamanchi, Gavin’s neurodevelopmental pediatrician at PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital.

As one of six kids, his family was excited to have him back home. Gavin has an older brother, three older sisters, and a younger sister. Before the accident, Gavin was the hot shot of his siblings. It has been a difficult and confusing journey for everyone. The kids were not sure just how much they could play with Gavin, but with the help of the therapists, everyone has been learning how to adjust. Gavin started outpatient therapy at Children’s Specialized Hospital in Toms River. Since Gavin has started therapy his progress has been incredible.

Mary refers to Gavin’s three therapists as her “dream team.” At Children’s Specialized Hospital, Stevens Road in Tom’s River his therapists are Kelly Lynch, physical therapist; Jennifer Kus, senior speech language pathologist; and Elke Van Hooydonk, senior occupational therapist. Gavin loves working with his therapists and never wants to leave his therapy sessions, which are every morning for an hour. The team is constantly giving the family new ideas and exercises for Gavin to work on at home. Not only does Gavin love working with his therapists, but in return they love working with this 3 year old beautiful and determined little boy.

“Gavin doesn’t speak but he always finds a way to tell us what he likes and doesn't like. He comes up with creative ways that I hadn't even considered. His personality and humor shine through. His family actively participates in all sessions,” said Kelly Lynch, physical therapist, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “He is particularly motivated by activities that include his baby sister. Including the entire family is what we do best.”

Throughout Gavin’s recovery his strength and determination have been apparent. His family and his therapists can see how hard he works.

“Gavin can light up a room with his eyes and his smile. He is such a hard worker and rarely complains. He loves dance music and we actually got him to stand against the wall for the first time by playing ‘Gangham Style,’” said Jennifer Kus, senior speech language pathologist, Children’s Specialized Hosptial. “He has a great sense of humor and loves to play with other children in the gym. He adores his brothers and sisters. Gavin loves swings, ball play and walking. He continues to make gains everyday in therapy.”

Gavin has learned his own sign language in order to communicate with his family, therapists and teachers. He has a sign for ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ and ‘more.’ With the help of his therapists, family and teachers his recovery has been remarkable.

“I used to work, and now this is my job, so people always say to me ‘you must not see the progress because you’re with him every day’, but I do. Gavin now uses his right hand and just a few weeks ago his therapist put him in the walker and he was able to walk for the first time,” said Mary.

The Kane family is appreciative of all the efforts that have been put forth with Gavin at Children’s Specialized Hospital. He has become a part of the family and the team at Children’s Specialized Hospital looks forward to see how far he will go! Gavin is an extraordinary boy with amazing determination and spirit.

“My husband and I feel cheesy whenever we talk about Children’s Specialized Hospital, but we are telling the truth about what comes from our heart, the hospital and the people have become a part of our family. Gavin’s progress has truly been a miracle and we thank Children’s Specialized Hospital for that, the hospital lives up to its impeccable reputation,” said Mary.