Brad Winkles Recovery

03/27/2026

This picture is Brad's swollen and twisted ankle. It happened when he fell in his home. He wants to be able to get up and do things as normal but, unfortunately, he can't. It's a difficult thing to accept when you're in your 50s and you've done things for yourself your entire life. That said, he did learn a lesson from this and he won't be walking around his home without the wheeled walker he has. They say it's not a mistake if you learned from it and I believe he definitely learned from this one. He said it hurts. It looks like it hurts, I believe him.

Please share the GoFundMe fundraiser and donate if you can. $5 makes a difference. I'm not currently working and I don't have much money to offer anyone but I'm going to donate $5 because it does make a difference. It doesn't sound like much but if everyone donated $5 you would be surprised how quickly it adds up.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brad-winkles-road-to-recovery

Thanks to you all for taking the time to read this. I hope to have more updates for you soon. Have a great weekend! - Darla

03/27/2026

Please donate. As you can see from Kim's update, they have encountered one problem after another. Fortunately, they have had the donations to get them through all of these issues but, let's face it, that's not going to last forever and Brad and Kim still very much need financial assistance. If you can donate even $5, it makes a difference. Think about it this way, when you're considering donating, this is the kind of situation that happens completely out of the blue and you cannot prepare for it. It's the kind of thing that might happen to you somewhere down the road. It's the kind of thing that you might find yourself behind a GoFundMe fundraising campaign in hopes that your friends will step up and help you get through life. That's what's going on right now. They need help. Brad's mortgage still needs to be paid. His utilities still have to be paid he still has to buy groceries. He still has to buy those prescriptions which are $240 every time he has to get refills. In other words, they still very much need our help.

They're so grateful and so appreciative of everyone who has helped out. They recognize that the generosity of you all is what's keeping them going financially. Remember, when this happened to Brad, he lost all ability to work. Heck, he can't even walk through his house without falling down and twisting his ankle! He needs our help.

So, on this Friday afternoon, let's start fresh! Let's start donating with the momentum we were donating with on the first day I shared the fundraiser.

Also, we really need you guys to start sharing the GoFundMe link. We need to get the fundraiser in rotation so people can come across it with ease to make donations.

Your help is so greatly appreciated. Trust me when I say Brad and Kim recognize that things wouldn't be as good as they are now were it not for their friends.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brad-winkles-road-to-recovery

03/27/2026

Kim said all of this but she forgot to say they still need donations. If you can donate today it would make a world of difference for Kim & Brad

It's time that we ask those of you who so graciously have already donated if you can donate again? There haven't been donations in a month and, as you see from Kim's update, they've had so many things go wrong since Brad went into (and out of) the hospital. Please consider making a second donation if you're able.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-brad-winkles-road-to-recovery

03/27/2026

A message from Kim Cozby Griffin:
Hi, Everyone! I am so embarrassed to be so behind on text and phone calls! I can not thank Darla Jones enough for helping with these updates! I simply am not able to keep up! Most of you know that my son was also severely injured during all this, not to mention that little thing called a way more than full time job.

Brad is hanging in there. It's been a ROUGH couple of months now, but things are so much better than it could have been. So many Prayers have been answered, and I give thanks everyday!

Recovery is very challenging and he's had a few setbacks. There have been two more falls since Darla made this update. This week's resulted in a badly sprained ankle, after it was already hurt from last time. His leg just simply gives out sometimes. Just navigating around the house is a learning process, and he's learned the hard way to rely more on the walker because there just isn't any warning. Again, being able to get around at all is a blessing! We try really hard to stay focused on the many blessings and miracles that have been bestowed upon him throughout this journey!

The depression was met by friends & Family through visits, phone calls, messages and Prayers. The physical impairments have been met by Prayer, grocery-getters, house cleaners, doc & other appt drivers and so much more! The financial burden was met by Prayer and the amazing kindness of others. I simply can not thank you all enough for ALL OF THE ABOVE!

Silly me, thinking if I can just keep all the utilities on, it will be fine! LOL! Elec, water, phone & car insurance. Ok!

I remember standing in the hospital telling my nephew that I was sorry, but we were it. There is no one else. We have to figure it out together. Boy, have I ever been so glad to be so wrong!

The amount of unexpected expenses has been CRAZY! A few examples of how you guys helped: A hose went out on the car. He was blessed to be right by Autozone at that exact moment. Money for the part, and money to slip a young man a few bucks to put it on. The Manager was kind enough to let him, seeing the shape Brad was in. The AC went out in the house last week. No big funds for that right now, but the guy was kind enough to sell & install a window unit at a very reasonable price. Health insurance lapsed because somebody's sister didn't think about THE most important bill at the moment. LOL. The dogs really did eat all the mail! TRUE STORY! Along with the sheets, pillows, comforter and mattress! Talk about anxiety about their Hooman being MIA! We flipped the mattress, but did need to buy a bed in a bag set, and some pillows.

Anyway, we were able to pay the past and upcoming ins installment, and got his health ins reinstated.

The toilet seat that was broken in the second fall. 13 prescriptions now filled twice, co-pay $240 each time. Specialist co-pays, therapy co-pays, primary care. Specialty handicap items needed for the house, handicap plaquered for the car, life changing expensive orthopedic shoes, groceries, dog food & meds. Maybe too much info, but we just can not imagine how we would have made it without all of you. THANK YOU!!

We've still got the bills covered, and are humbled into having faith that things are going to be ok somehow. The latest little verse to our sad country song is that the fridge went out! Helping with
care. Specialty handicap items needed for the house, handicap plaquered for the car, life changing expensive orthopedic shoes, groceries, dog food & meds. Maybe too much info, but we just can not imagine how we would have made it without all of you. THANK YOU!!

We've still got the bills covered, and are humbled into having faith that things are going to be ok somehow. The latest little verse to our sad country song is that the fridge went out! Helping with groceries just got trickier, and honestly, I was a little heartbroken when he wasnt able to put ice on his sprained ankle! Guess I will start looking for an affordable used one that could be delivered. Also looking at maybe borrowing a wheelchair for a few days until we can get the doctor to hopefuily write a script for one, and get it delivered. Not sure how we're going to get to and from the car for the non-stop appts with this ankle. If any local friends or family have a line on those items please let me know! A little company would go along way too.

Being alone is hard. Darla is also willing to keep the fundraiser going, as needed.

Thanks for the long read, if you held in this long. Sorry that I haven't been able to answer individually, but I hope I've covered everything here. Forever thankful. XOXO

03/19/2026

Update on Brad: Health Update and Dr. Appointment

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update on Brad since several of you have been asking how he’s doing.

He is currently managing on his own, with the occasional help of friends who stop by. One friend came over and thoroughly cleaned his house which was a huge relief for him. As you can imagine, navigating daily life solo while recovering is a major challenge. Brad is having a mix of good days and bad days - days where his mobility is a bit more limited than others.

Unfortunately, he had a bit of a setback today.
Brad shared this with me in a text when I asked him how he's doing: "Slow moving, got up today and took a little spill, kinda twisted my ankle so it's a little swollen, so mainly been laid up watching TV... tomorrow’s another day so we’ll see how that goes..."

On top of everything else, he is now dealing with that twisted ankle, but he does have a doctor's appointment tomorrow in Tyler at 10:45 a.m. to check on his progress.

Thank you all for your continued concern and for keeping him in your thoughts. It means a lot to him to know his community is still rooting for him!

Don't forget, the fundraiser is still active. If you can't donate, please share the GoFundMe. -Darla

https://gofund.me/da40864b5

03/14/2026

More than just a recovery—it’s a journey back to what he loves. Brad Winkles

I wanted to share some photos that Brad’s sister sent over. These aren’t just pictures of a beautiful yard; they are a testament to who Brad is.

Brad spent years pouring his heart into his mother’s garden. Every stone border, every perfectly mulched bed, and those incredible roses were all done by his hands as a labor of love for her. Even after she passed, these gardens remain a beautiful living memory of the care he gives to the people and things he loves.

The last photo shows Brad right where he belongs—outside, working in the dirt, creating something beautiful. Right now, he is missing out on that peace. He’s missing the physical ability to be the worker and creator he has always been.

Every donation to his physical therapy fund is a step toward getting him back into the sunshine and back to the work that brings him (and everyone who sees it) so much joy.

Thank you for helping us get Brad back on his feet.

03/08/2026

Subject: The Price of Presence

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a photo with this update, but I’m still waiting for Brad to wake up.

The truth is, Brad is currently "living" his life asleep. To manage the level of agony he’s in, he’s on a regimen of morphine, hydrocodone, and fentanyl—medications typically reserved for end-of-life care for cancer patients. But Brad isn’t at the end; he is at the beginning of a long, hard fight to reclaim his future.

It’s a heartbreaking trade-off: he can either be awake and in unbearable pain, or out of pain but completely unconscious.

We are fighting so hard for these out-of-pocket physical therapy sessions because they are the only way to move him past this "end-of-life" level of medication and back into a life where he can actually be awake and present with us.

I know yesterday was payday for most of us here in Dallas. If you were planning on a treat this weekend—a Dutch Bros coffee, a Starbucks run, or a Chick-fil-A meal—would you consider skipping just one and sending that $10 or $15 to Brad’s recovery instead?

For us, it’s a quick meal or a caffeine fix. For Brad, it’s a literal investment in the day he can finally wake up without needing a fog of narcotics just to survive the hour.

We haven’t had a donation in three days. Please help us break that silence and bring Brad back to the light.

With deep gratitude,

Darla

03/04/2026

https://gofund.me/bcfd507b0

Subject: Urgent Update: Brad is Heading Home & Needs Our Help

Hi everyone,

I’m writing with a quick but critical update on Brad’s recovery. Unfortunately, insurance has reached its limit for his stay at the rehabilitation facility, and he is being discharged today.

While Brad is a fighter and has made progress, he is honestly not ready to be on his own yet. He still has significant mobility challenges and needs professional support to regain his independence. Thankfully, a friend will be staying with him 24/7 for the first few days and driving him to his immediate doctor's appointments starting this Friday.

Our new goal: We need to raise funds specifically for individual outpatient therapy. Since insurance is no longer covering his care, these sessions must be paid out of pocket.

In our area, the average cost for a professional physical therapy session is about $125. Our goal is to raise enough to cover his first month of intensive sessions (approx. $1,500) so he doesn't lose the progress he’s worked so hard for.

Please consider donating the cost of a session—or even half a session—and sharing this link. Every bit helps us ensure Brad doesn't backslide now that he's out of professional care.

https://gofund.me/bcfd507b0

Brad Winkles never needed anyone's help the way he needs yours now. A Life … Darla Jones needs your support for Support Brad Winkles' Road to Recovery

03/01/2026

https://gofund.me/0d32fe8f4

We hope everyone had a happy Saturday!

Do you check out our most recent GoFundMe update?

Brad still really needs your help, honestly even more than he did to start with. Since insurance says they won't pay for any more rehab physical therapy. Yep, the insurance he pays for every month but he probably has never really used is lowballing him now that he really needs them.

So please, please, please, donate if you can. If you can't donate, please, share the gofundme. I know you've probably already shared it once and you think people are tired of seeing it but the reality of that is: with Facebook algorithms the way they are there's a good chance your friends and followers haven't the GoFundMe or the Brad Winkles Recovery page at all. That's why I continue to ask that you continue to share, over and over. I know it's annoying but it's an easy way that you can continue to help Brad out. Donations are the best way to help but, if you can't donate, sharing his GoFundMe and the Brad Winkles Recovery page is the second best way to help. The third best way to help is to get people to like and follow this page. Since I post on here so frequently if someone likes and follows this page they're getting my frequent updates and they're seeing me ask repeatedly for help for Brad and Kim.

I think if we (Brad and Kim's friends) continue to do these things, the GoFundMe has a much greater chance of reaching its fundraising goal.

Also, if you happen to be reading this page but you haven't liked / followed this page, please like and follow. It helps keep us relevant in the Facebook algorithm - fancy talk for the more people who follow us the more frequently we're shown on people's Facebook feeds.

Thank you for stopping by to read his page and to read the updates, it matters and makes a difference!

I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful sunday!

https://gofund.me/0d32fe8f4

Brad Winkles never needed anyone's help the way he needs yours now. A Life … Darla Jones needs your support for Support Brad Winkles' Road to Recovery

02/27/2026

Update: Milestones, Best Friends, and a New Challenge

February 26, 2026

Brad had a huge boost this week when his old BFFs, Chris Sloan and Mike Bowens, stopped by! Seeing them together was the best medicine.

However, therapy has also been a major reality check. Brad discovered this week that he can’t walk backward at all. It’s a scary realization to find out your body can’t do something you’ve done your whole life, and it’s made him more determined than ever to keep working.

BUT—we’ve hit a major wall. Brad’s insurance has officially maxed out. To keep getting the physical therapy he needs to overcome these scary hurdles and relearn the basics, he has to pay out of pocket starting now.

We are currently at $4,140—about 1/3 of our $12k goal. We cannot let his progress stop because of a maxed-out policy. Every dollar donated now literally buys the sessions Brad needs to get back on his feet and get home to his dogs.

Please share, donate if you can, and let everyone know: Insurance may have reached its limit, but this community hasn’t. Let’s keep Brad moving forward!

https://gofund.me/1c1cbd827

02/23/2026

Update: Major Milestones and a Fresh Start

Sunday, February 22, 2026

It’s been an incredible week of progress for Brad, and he and Kim wanted to share a few updates from the new facility.

First and foremost, they are absolutely overcome with gratitude. Seeing the community show up like this has left them both blessed beyond words—and as we all know, it’s rare to find those two at a loss for words!

The Move to Rehab
Brad has officially transitioned from UT Tyler Hospital to UT Health Rehabilitation. Because he went into the ER two weeks ago expecting a quick fix for a backache, he wasn’t prepared for a long-term stay. Your donations have been a godsend, allowing Kim to get him the clothes and toiletries he needs for this next chapter. It’s a lot to process—going to the ER for a backache and, two weeks later, finding yourself in a rehab facility with a life that has been forever changed.

Progress on the Move
The changes in environments—and medications—are already making a huge difference. The doctors have him on a regimen of steroids and NSAIDs to tackle the inflammation, and Brad says he can genuinely feel the difference. It’s opening up a window of mobility we were all praying for.

He’s already working hard in therapy:
* The Wheelchair: He’s learning to "scooch" and navigate himself around using his feet.
* The Walker: He’s officially taken his first steps with a walker!
* High-Tech Recovery: He’s especially excited about the rehab equipment, including a car simulator that helps patients practice the mechanics of getting in and out of a vehicle.

A Much-Needed Boost
Brad got to spend some time out on the patio today, and it was so nice to get some fresh air. He was also incredibly happy to have some visitors come by, including his aunt, uncle, and a couple of close friends. After a shower, a fresh shave, and some time in the sunshine, he’s feeling like a new man.

It’s a long road ahead, but seeing him get those first steps in and enjoy some company makes the path feel a lot shorter. Thank you all for keeping the momentum going—it’s clearly working!