A Saturday morning walk for doughnuts has turned the McAllister family’s lives upside down.
Melissa McAllister and her two young sons, 3-year-old AJ and 21-month-old Christopher, were struck by a car in the parking lot of their neighborhood Safeway during their weekly outing for doughnuts.
Since the July 29 crash, Melissa, 28, has undergone surgery for a broken pelvis, and AJ has suffered a stroke. Christopher, who was riding in a stroller, suffered a mild concussion, and Guy McAllister has split his time between hospital rooms housing his wife and children.
The three have made strides in recovery, but the Vancouver family has a long road ahead, said Samantha Kaiser, Guy’s sister.
“We all feel really good about the progress Melissa and AJ have made,” Kaiser said. “We made it through the first week. It’s really now settling into what the long term will look like.”
Melissa and the boys were walking in the parking lot of the Walnut Grove Safeway when, for unknown reasons, a 2015 Honda Accord driven by 18-year-old Babucarr Touray accelerated through a parking spot and a hedge and struck the family, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The crash remains under investigation.
Melissa suffered a broken pelvis, L1 vertebrae and ribs, a sprained wrist, road rash and lacerations. She remains hospitalized at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland.
AJ’s skull was fractured in the crash, and within 30 hours of the crash, he had a stroke. He’s hospitalized at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland. Christopher received a mild concussion. He was discharged from Randall Children’s Hospital after a couple of days.
Last week, Melissa had a pin placed in her pelvis and is now starting to sit up and do physical therapy, Kaiser said. Doctors are still deciding how to proceed with treatment of Melissa’s fractured vertebrae; she may only need to wear a brace for a while or she may need additional surgeries, Kaiser said. Once she’s able, Melissa will move to a skilled rehab facility for ongoing physical therapy.
The stroke AJ sufferered following the crash has affected the boy’s speech and may have caused some long-term mobility issues with his left arm, as well as problems with his left eye, Kaiser said. He still has swelling of his brain, pain and headaches.
But, Kaiser said, AJ is talking, alert and recognizes his family.
“It’s really amazing,” she said. “He is a strong boy. His will is there. … It’s pretty incredible to watch.”
For now, doctors are focused on allowing AJ to rest and heal. Soon he will begin intensive physical, occupational and speech therapy, Kaiser said.
Since the crash, Guy has been splitting his days between Melissa’s and AJ’s hospital rooms. Christopher is being cared for by Guy’s parents. Guy spends evenings with his youngest son, and family members take turns staying with AJ in the hospital.
The family tries to bring Christopher to visit Melissa every day, and AJ uses FaceTime to talk to his mom.
“That really helps her a lot,” Kaiser said. Melissa’s family is in the Philippines and unable to visit.
Guy has taken a leave of absence from his job as a driver for Milky Way. Melissa is a stay-at-home mom.
The family has insurance coverage through Guy’s work, however, the family is anticipating medical expenses not covered by insurance. They’re collecting donations through the YouCaring website to help cover those costs, as well as living expenses while Guy is out of work. Area Safeway stores have also set up donation boxes at check stands.
Donations of gift cards and meals have helped the family, as have cards and notes of encouragement, Kaiser said.
“We are just so incredibly grateful for people continuing to reach out and wanting to know how we’re doing,” Kaiser said. “We feel like the community is walking with us on this journey, and we are thankful for them.”
