COFFEE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) — Jase Rish is heading to a specialized rehabilitation center in Atlanta after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in a May 29 accident that doctors initially feared he would not survive.

Rish was reportedly involved in an accident after falling out of a moving vehicle. The family said he was transported by ambulance to Coffee Regional Medical Center before being taken by ambulance to Memorial Health in Savannah. His mother, Dawn Brantley, said she was out of the country when she received the call.

“‘I’m just going to be honest with you. Because of the head injuries Jase has sustained, I’m shipping him to Savannah. But I’m worried he won’t even make it to Savannah,’” a doctor told Brantley.

Rish underwent surgery within an hour of arriving at Memorial Health. His family said he had multiple skull fractures in the occipital region and on the right side of his head. Surgeons reportedly relieved a hematoma and placed a plate in the back of his skull.

Recovery exceeds expectations

A neurosurgeon performed a craniectomy, removing part of Rish’s skull to allow room for brain swelling, according to Rish’s family. Brantley said the procedure saved her son’s life.

“Every time he comes in to us and talks to us... I’m just in awe. He’s leaps and bounds ahead of what he’s doing,” Brantley said.

Rish has begun speaking and standing with assistance from therapists. Loved ones said Rish is scheduled to transfer to Shepherd Center in Atlanta, which specializes in traumatic brain injury rehabilitation.

Friends Carsyn Crews and Morgan Ables visited Rish at the hospital and said he remains stubborn and sassy.

“He is a very stubborn person before the accident, and it’s still in there. I think that’s part of why he’s doing so good is because he’s so hard-headed and stubborn,” Crews said.

Community support and fundraising

Friends and Coffee County community members have organized multiple fundraising efforts to support Rish and his family.

“Team Rish” shirts featuring a Bible verse from Ephesians 6:10 were made for supporters to show their backing.

A raffle is being held to help fundraise with prizes donated by local businesses. The grand prize is a 6x12 utility trailer donated by Freedom Trailers. Second prize is a YETI Camino 20 Carryall Tote Bag in Cape Taupe donated by Blackout Diesel Performance. Third prize is a VEVOR 20-inch chainsaw donated by Danny Hodges.

Raffle tickets are $10 each, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Rish and his family. The winner will be drawn live on Facebook on July 7. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Learn more about the raffle below ⬇️⬇️

Grace Point Church also held a prayer service for Rish that was broadcast live on Facebook. A Church of God assembly with 2,000 attendees also prayed for his recovery. The pastor of the Church of God in Broxton drove Rish’s brother and sister-in-law to the hospital in Savannah the night of the accident.

“We have an army that is praying for this kid,” Brantley said.

Brantley said the community response has been overwhelming, with people offering gift cards, housing, transportation and prayers.

“You can’t explain the feeling it is to know that there’s a whole community of people that are praying for your child and your family,” she said.

Businesses interested in selling tickets or donating additional prizes, gift cards, products or services can contact organizers through social media.

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