Community Support 'Awesome' for Watchung Hills Grad Hurt in ATV Accident

Quaid Mobus, a 2010 graduate of Watchung Hills Regional High School who will turn 22 on Oct. 31, has had his life change dramatically since he was in an ATV accident last month. 

However, his Warren Township family, led by parents Cindy and George Mobus, have been doing everything they could to help him in his recovery following a serious spinal cord injury, said family friend and "prayer warrior" Carrie Isler — and the community has been pitching in.

Mobus was four wheeling on Friday, Sept. 20—the day on before his sister's wedding in the back country of Pennsylvania—when he lost control of his vehicle. He sustained a spinal cord injury and was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philladelphia, according to information from the family and a family friend.

He since has been moved to Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in South Orange, according to Isler and an update on a Facebook page set up to Support Quaid Mobus.

Mobus had been relying on a breathing ventilator, but has since progressed from breathing just a few minutes on his own to being able to breathe independently for 17 hours — and is approaching 24 hours, Isler said on Friday.

"Quaid has arrived back in Jersey! He is at Kessler and for the first time almost a month I was able to talk to my brother on the phone!!," his sister, Cailyn Crandell, wrote on the Facebook page on Thursday. 

His advancement has been rapid in that area — but still, his family realizes they are going to be dealing with a "new normal" life for their son, Isler said.

"Quaid is working hard to recover," said an update from a family member. By Oct. 13, he was able to breathe without the use of a ventilator for three hours. He had begun physical and occupational therapy and was by then able to fully communicate with family and friends who come to visit every day, the report said.

"Through it all, Quaid is maintaining a strong sense of self and hearty sense of humor. His mother [Cindy Mobus] attributes Quaid’s progress to the grace of God and the steadfast support her family has received, said the family update.

Mother 'grateful' for community support

“We are so grateful for all the prayers, visits, cards and gifts. Our community has been awesome," said Cindy Mobus. 

Isler said George Mobus is a native of Warren and Cindy was raised in Basking Ridge.

Support is also evidenced by several fundraising efforts that are underway. All proceeds will go toward medical bills, the purchase of a specialized wheelchair, a vehicle capable of transporting his wheelchair and renovations to make the Mobus home handicap accessible, according to information from the family and supporters.

For example, monetary donations are being collected via http://Www.igg.me/at/supportquaid.com.  Other online vehicles include: wine sales at http://www.myttv.com/shop/catalog.aspx?eventId=E15320&from=DIRECTLINK# and shirt sales on http://www.capsad.com/support-quaid-mobus.html.

On November 8t, the musical group 3Stones is scheduled perform at the Watchung Arts Center in Watchung and ticket sales will be donated to Support Quaid Mobus, supporters said.

Bracelets and t-shirts being sold for fundraiser

Support bracelets, to be sold for $3 apiece are due to arrive any time now to be sold at Sports Minded Unlimited located at1656 Washington Valley Road in Warren, Isler said.

Malanga's Farm & Greenhouses in Warren also will be selling t-shirts for $15 as a fundraiser, Isler added.

“When Quaid returns, I want our house ready for him. He should be unlimited and comfortable in his home," Cindy Mobus was quoted as saying.

"To everyone who is helping, thank you. We are blessed," Cindy Mobus added.