Fundraiser for Georgia Tech student hospitalized in car accident reaches over $10,000

On Friday, June 23, Georgia Tech student Max Germain suffered a massive traumatic brain injury. While riding his bike, he was struck by a car that left him in the hospital with severe damage.

The 22-year-old underwent emergency surgery in Atlanta to remove a bone flap that was causing pressure on his brain. Now, he remains in a medically induced coma to allow his brain to heal.

Once recovered, Max will begin both in-patient and out-patient rehabilitation. The removed flap will be replaced in a few months.

Since brain damage is incredibly unique, medical bills are highly expensive and lifetime costs can reach millions of dollars. Since most are not covered by insurance, his friend Chris Byrne, in coordination with Max’s parents, have set up a YouCaring campaign asking the community to help cover costs.

“We got the text from his father on Friday about the accident, and that was the kicker. It was like OK, what are we going to do,” Chris told The Tab. His daughter has also experienced brain trauma, and so Chris has a special interest in raising awareness for traumatic brain injuries.

“The thing about this kind of injury is it’s the great equalizer. It doesn’t discriminate…It’s a long, long road to recovery,” he said. This is the second traumatic brain injury to occur at Georgia Tech in the last two years.

In the few days since Max’s injury, the campaign has raised almost $13,000 out of a $20,000 goal. Updates and messages from Max’s family have been posted regularly, describing his status in the hospital and requesting prayers.

“We ask people when they’re giving their prayers and thoughts, to not make them generic, but to make them very, very specific,” explained Chris.

Max is a fifth-year at Georgia Tech. “He’s one of those personalities where you don’t know how to name it, but it’s one you want to be around,” Chris described. “He’s very outgoing, gregarious, caring, the kind to drink a beer with you. Very active.”

“Athens is an incredible community,” added Chris. Strangers and friends alike have contributed to his campaign, leaving inspiring messages of resilience and love.

Julie Walker wrote: “Max has the most loving and courageous family I know.”

Bruce Johnson wrote: “For a Phi Sig brother in need.” Max is a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Georgia Tech.

And Sam Hicks wrote: “Max is tough and never stops working hard. This time won’t be different.”

Early this morning, an update to the website indicated that Max “hit a bump in the road.” His parents said: “Max Germain started having very sporadic movements and as Jacques Germain said, became the human puke fountain.”

Despite this, his family is staying positive. “Hoping he was just under sedated and freaking out as doctors hope, but it’s part of the journey,” the update reads.

Awaiting Max’s recovery, Chris said: “If you make a donation, that’s great. Doesn’t matter if it’s a dollar, five dollars, whatever. Every little bit helps. Just imagine this is your child, or your sibling, in this situation. Because it can happen just like that.”

You can donate to Max’s YouCaring campaign here.