Doctors Told the Parents of a 15-Year-Old Boy to Say Goodbye After an Accident – What Happened Next Changed Everything

After this teenage boy's accident at home, doctors didn't believe he would survive. But when he defied the odds, someone stepped in to renovate the family's home and welcome him back with open arms.

A teenager's routine chore turned into a fight for his life, and what followed left even doctors stunned. One family's nightmare on a summer afternoon became a story of resilience, hope, and survival no one anticipated.

What Happened to Brett?

On July 9, 2024, 15-year-old Brett Jedwabny was power washing his family's home in Appleton, Wisconsin, when a freak accident changed everything. While cleaning the cart that held the equipment, a tire exploded.

The blast fractured his eye socket and drove debris deep into his brain, damaging part of his right frontal lobe. His mother, Nicole Jedwabny, immediately called 911. Then, in shock and horror, she screamed over the phone after calling her husband, Tyler Jedwabny, who was at work, "He's gone. He's dead. His brains are all over."

Uncertain whether it was his older son, Brett, or 13-year-old Grant who had been hurt, Tyler frantically tried calling Brett first. When there was no answer, he called his wife again, saying, "Wait a minute, you have to slow down. You have to tell me who."

That was when he learned it was Brett. He rushed to the local hospital, usually a 34-minute drive, and made it in under 20. There, a twist of fate changed everything. A man scheduled for brain surgery gave up his slot.

As a result, Brett was taken into surgery immediately. "Those sheer seconds saved his life," Tyler said. Surgeons removed part of the teenager's skull to relieve pressure on his brain, then flew him to Milwaukee Children's Hospital.

Despite the quick action, the prognosis was dire. That night, doctors told the family to say goodbye. Brett was not expected to survive another day. "That just crushes your soul," his father recalled.

But the teenager was still alive the next morning, against all odds! The doctor, stunned, said she had no medical explanation for it. It was, by every account, a miracle! Although his life had been spared, the road ahead was uncertain and long.

Brett Returns Home After Surviving a Near-Death Experience

Over the next ten months, Brett underwent intensive inpatient rehabilitation. He first recovered at Milwaukee Children's Hospital, then transferred to the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab in Chicago, and later stayed at the Ronald McDonald House.

By May 2025, the teenager, now 16, was ready to come home. His return was marked by a fire engine escort and a heartfelt reunion with the first responders who had helped save him. They helped him onto the firetruck and led an official escort back to his home.

There, Brett was greeted by dozens of close friends and family, cheering him on! "He knew to say thank you to each and every one of them," said his father. Brett fully grasped the importance of the moment, smiling, giving thumbs up, hugging, joking, kissing, and shaking hands with everyone.

His friend, Joseph Noack, shared, "I'm just really happy that there are so many people in the community that are here to support him and give him help through any troubles that he has."

Brett's cousin, Cole Schiman, was also there to share the special occasion.

He admitted that he had never seen a bigger smile on Brett's face than the one he wore as he stepped off the truck and saw everyone. Cole continued, "I think his brain was just flooded with memories, and he was just smiling ear to ear."

Even though Brett still needed a feeding tube and had limited movement on his left side, he amazed everyone by taking two steps during his homecoming! His parents even remodeled their home to make it more accessible.

They removed a wall that had previously separated the kitchen and living room, and installed ramps at two entrances, all with help from Brett's uncle, JP Jedwabny. His uncle beamed with pride over the work they had done.

He praised his subcontractors for doing an excellent job and said he couldn't thank them enough. Getting emotional, JP said, "It was amazing to see him come home." He admitted he had once doubted it would happen, but felt grateful it did.

Returning to School and Normal Life

Later that month, on May 29, Brett's mother took him to school for a meeting about his return. Nervous about how he would be received, she was overwhelmed by the warm welcome. "We were welcomed with a big sign on the computer board," she shared.

Brett's best friend and several boys from his high school fishing team came to greet him. "They realize he isn't the same Brett, but [sic] made him fit right in," Nicole said. "They accept him and are just so happy he's still alive."

On June 10, 2025, the teenager's parents posted a touching update on their joint Facebook page, celebrating his continued recovery and life at home. Nicole expressed deep gratitude for having her son back and welcomed friends to visit anytime.

Brett has been enjoying his therapy sessions under the guidance of skilled therapists.

That week, he visited his high school again, but this time he spent an afternoon acclimating. His friends and teachers welcomed him warmly. One of his friends gave him a tour, and several classmates came by to catch up.

Outside therapy, the family has enjoyed fishing trips, bike rides, and attending Saturday mass. Nicole joked that her son, now more expressive, sometimes shouts "Yahoo for Jesus" during service, something the congregation takes in stride!

The Jedwabnys concluded the post by thanking everyone for their continued prayers and sharing a simple belief that has come to define their journey, "Every day is a miracle." They say Brett is still the same old soul, just funnier now, and that their family bond is stronger than ever.

"Watching your son make the strides that he's made, [sic] proves that you can't really have a bad day," said Tyler.

The parent continued, "He doesn't allow it. He doesn't allow bad days. He just keeps working hard to try to get as much ability as he can back."

Brett's strength, supported by love and community, has transformed tragedy into a powerful story of hope. His experience highlights the importance of being prepared, as accidents can happen when least expected. Here's what we know about traumatic brain injuries.

Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a serious condition that disrupts how the brain works. It can happen from a strong hit, jolt, or anything that pierces the skull, according to the Cleveland Clinic. TBIs can lead to both short-term and long-term complications, affecting nearly every part of a person's life.

These injuries are a major cause of disability and death in the US. In 2020 alone, over 214,000 people were hospitalized with TBIs, and more than 69,000 died as a result. While there are treatments to help manage TBIs, the best approach is prevention.

While not all traumatic brain injuries can be avoided, there are practical steps you can take to lower the risk and protect your head:

• Prevent falls, especially for older adults: If you're 65 or older, you're at greater risk. Install stair handrails, and remove tripping hazards like rugs, long cords, or small furniture from your walkways.
• Use protective gear: Always wear helmets or appropriate safety equipment when playing contact sports or riding bikes and motorcycles.
• Wear your seatbelt: Buckle up every time you drive or ride in a vehicle. For babies and young children, use proper car seats or booster seats for safety.

Mild TBI symptoms:

Physical symptoms commonly include:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dizziness or balance problems.
• Headaches.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Fatigue.
• Blurred or unclear vision.

Thinking and memory symptoms may include:

• Confusion.
• Trouble focusing or concentrating.
• Difficulty thinking clearly.
• Short-term memory problems.
• Feeling mentally slowed down.
• Grogginess.

Social or emotional symptoms may include:

• Anxiety.
• Nervousness.
• Irritability.

Sleep disturbances are also common and may include:

• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Sleeping more or less than usual.