Community rallies behind Aylmer family after accident

Taylor Clark

An Aylmer family is seeking the community’s support after a 25-foot fall left a father of three with various injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. 

On August 27, 2023, Melissa Wallbott’s life changed upon learning her husband Brad Strang was rushed to the hospital. While painting the exterior of a house, Strang fell 25 feet directly on his head.

When emergency response arrived on the scene, Wallbott said Strang did not have a pulse and was resuscitated before being transported to the hospital.

On her arrival, Wallbott discovered her husband suffered eight broken ribs, a fractured sternum, a punctured kidney, a deflated lung, unstable fractured vertebrae that required major back surgery, two skull fractures along with a traumatic brain injury, and bleeding around the brain.

“He had to relearn how to walk, get himself dressed, and do all the basic things for himself,” said Wallbott.

Once Strang regained his strength, he was able to return to his family, but Wallbott said the road didn’t end there. Strang has since embarked on a journey of intense brain rehabilitation.

“His short-term memory is getting better but it is very slow and that goes for his long-term memory too,” said Wallbott. “He may never be the person he once was, but they are trying to get him as close as possible.”

The accident has left Wallbott maxing out savings and paying for treatment out of pocket.

“Since he is unable to work and he wasn't allowed to be home alone, he needed a full-time caregiver which I of course took on.”

Wallbott has been by her husband’s side 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all while raising their three children.

“The cost of living these days (is) outrageous and it's just making it that much harder.”

She said it has been hard enough coming to terms with what had happened and accepting it. Then to be bombarded by bills has been overwhelming.

“He worked so hard for so long. He didn't deserve any of this.”

A GoFundMe was started by a family friend, Bobby MacDonald, to help alleviate the burden on the mother of three. The fundraiser got its start early February and as of March 11 has raised $1,870 of its $3,000 goal. To donate, visit gofundme.com and search “Aylmer family in need.”

As owners of Full of Beans Party Rental, MacDonald and his wife Jen Putnam also plan to sponsor a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the Galeries Aylmer on April 7 from 9 am to 1 pm outside of Fun Factor.

Photo caption: A GoFundMe fundraiser is ongoing to support an Aylmer family after a father of three experienced a 25-foot fall.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Melissa Wallbott