Jet OUT is deeply moved to support a story of incredible courage and community. In 2021, a tragic accident forever altered Illinois State Trooper Brian Frank’s life, leaving him with a severe brain injury and in a prolonged state of unresponsiveness. For Brian and his wife, Lauren, the years since have been a testament to unwavering hope and relentless determination. Lauren, a fierce advocate, has tirelessly pursued innovative treatments, often at great personal cost. Their recent journey led them to the NeuroSolution Center of Austin, where their mission to “restore health against all odds” is a beacon of hope.
Seeing the immense logistical challenge of returning both the care team’s and the Frank family's vehicles to Illinois, Brian’s fellow state troopers stepped up, a testament to the bonds of solidarity and the power of community. Recognizing an opportunity to facilitate this remarkable act of service, Jet OUT provided a flight to Austin, enabling these dedicated troopers to complete their mission and alleviate a significant burden on the Frank family. This act of unity speaks volumes about the strength of human connection in the face of unimaginable hardship.
Lauren's Heartfelt Gratitude
Now, Lauren Frank shares a deeply personal reflection on their journey and the heartfelt significance of this incredible support:
“There are so many moving parts to Brian's care, especially when we opt into traveling for specialized treatments like the ones that NeuroSolution offer. Oftentimes, nothing is covered by insurance, including private air ambulances for Brian to travel the distance safely. With price tags of more than $50,000 for just Brian's roundtrip travel fees, in addition to thousands per week for treatment, every dollar adds up fast. This time, we were able to have our cars driven down full of equipment and supplies, which was generously offered by Brian's peers within the Illinois state police. To fly four people down to retrieve and drive vehicles back from Texas during spring break was going to incur another couple thousand dollars, in addition to gas costs. To ask for help for four years, and consistently receive the support humbles me beyond words. Just when I think we have asked for too much, people show up and show out in ways I never could have imagined. Monetarily, there are a lot of expenses. The emotional burden is even heavier. For Jet OUT to offer to lighten the load on both fronts by taking care of the people taking care of us ... my gratitude is immeasurable. Thank you all for following and supporting Brian's recovery journey. It keeps us both fighting ... for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patients, law enforcement injured in the line of duty, and for the future of healthcare. The generosity helps me know that none of this will ever be in vain and reminds me how much Brian is worth advocating for.”
This story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of community support during challenging times. At Jet OUT, we are honored to have played a small part in supporting this journey of courage and community.