Benefit to be held for Brandon Bushmire
While walking with friends last year, Brandon Bushmire was struck by a car near the Indiana University of Pennsylvania campus where he had been studying business. Fourteen months after that Sept. 8 accident, the 21-year-old South Fayette native remains hospitalized at UPMC’s inpatient rehabilitation facility.
Last month, Bushmire underwent his sixth surgery to change a shunt in his brain. According to his dad, Alan, Bushmire is still unable to walk or eat on his own. He relies on a tube in his stomach for nourishment but health professionals are trying to introduce pureed foods to him.
Meanwhile, Bushmire’s family and friends are encouraging folks to eat spaghetti on his behalf. After a successful fundraiser in January, they have organized a second spaghetti dinner, dubbed Brandon’s Battle Benefit Dinner II.
Catered by Claudio’s Pizzeria & Ristorante, the benefit will be held 1-7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the South Fayette Volunteer Fire Department. Tickets are $15 per adult and $7 per child and will be available for purchase at the door.
Money raised from the event will be applied to Bushmire’s in-home care once he is released from the rehabilitation facility. It will support the things not covered by the family’s insurance.
Proceeds from the first dinner, attended by more than 2,000 people, were used to remodel Bushmire’s family home in North Strabane to accommodate his needs, which will include daily nursing care. “It would not have happened if it wasn’t for everyone’s help,” Alan said.
Bushmire’s condition continues to improve and he is beginning to talk.
“Voicing comes and goes,” Alan said. “When prompted he says ‘yes’ and ‘no.'”
Alan said his son has a limited range of mobility on the right side of his body. His right arm is immobile. But, Bushmire continues to battle through things, added his dad. The family is encouraged.
“Things are looking up for Brandon,” Alan said. “He’s definitely better, but he still has a long road to recovery.”
Scheduled to come home a few days before the fundraiser, Bushmire plans to attend the dinner. “At least for a half an hour,” his father said, “Depending on how he’s feeling that day.”