Brody's Walk

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— April 13 marks the first "Brody's Walk" in Pocatello."Brody's Walk," is an event to raise child abuse awareness in our area.

"We're not sure if we will do a walk, or a 5k, or some other sort of program each year," said Jennifer Jones, (Brody's Mother), "But with April being Child Abuse Awareness Month, we do hope, and plan to be able to organize some sort of event on a yearly basis."

The walk is being organized by Michelle Jones, (Brody's Grandmother).

"My mom has been the spear head of the walk," said Jennifer Jones, "But we've had several people helping us organize this, and get things ready.

"Brody's Walk" will take place on Wednesday, April 13, and will begin at the old Fred Meyer building located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello. Walkers will gather at 10:30 a.m. and the walk will commence at 11 a.m.

"There are no registration fees" Jennifer Jones said, "It is free for anyone that wants to join us." There are "Brody's walk" t-shirts available for sale by calling Michelle Jones at (208) 317-8509, or by visiting the "Brody Walk" Facebook support page, which as of April 7, had 45 RSVPs'. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to help offset the cost of Passey's treatment.

Brody Passey, 2, was airlifted to Salt Lake City, Utah to the Primary Children's Hospital on January 3, with a traumatic brain injury and a broken arm suffered while being severely beaten.

"The injuries were so severe," Jennifer Jones said, "That doctors in Pocatello were afraid that he (Brody) would not survive the flight to Salt Lake City."

Passey did survive the flight, and is currently doing very well in his recovery, and was released from Primary Children's Hospital on February 15.

"When we arrived at Primary Children's" Jennifer Jones said, "The hospital did the Glasgow Coma test on Brody, and they put him at a 4 which means a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). He had bleeding in the middle of his brain, and on the right side where the blow to his head was, and he was completely unresponsive."

Jones took Passey to see the neurosurgeon that performed the surgery for a follow up earlier this week.

"Brody is doing really well now," Jones said, "The neurosurgeon was absolutely amazed at his recovery, and they expect him to make a full recovery."

The Glasgow Coma Test is a neurological test that gages with a scale of 1 through 15. 1 being Brain Dead, and 15 being able to have more in-depth discussions and completely responsive. Passey's diagnosis of 4 meant: an unconscious state, with no meaningful response and no voluntary activities.

Passey's stepfather Dennis Timberlake, 24, has been charged with Felony injury to a child, in the beating. Timberlake has plead not guilty to the charges, and is currently out on bond while awaiting the jury trial to begin on May 10. If Timberlake is found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison. A no contact order has been issued against Timberlake to ensure that he does not contact Jones.

Donations will be gladly accepted, and anyone that would like to donate can either purchase a t-shirt, or send donations to 5837 E. Grant Rd. Downey, Idaho 83234.