A single mother from St. Charles is reaching out to the community to ask for help for her son, his wife and three children after the 24-year-old Marine sustained traumatic brain injury from an improvised explosive device while serving in Afghanistan.

So far, $3,880 has been raised toward the $5,000 goal, which would cover about two months’ income for the family, until veterans assistance becomes available, according to a fund-raising campaign on the Fundly website.

“Tyler Heisey has been passionate about serving in the U.S. military ever since he was a young boy. In high school, he worked diligently to graduate a year early, in order to enlist in the U.S Marine Corps as soon as he turned 18 years old,” said Tyler’s mother, Lois Heisey, on the Fundly page.

During his time in the Marines, Tyler received awards of honors for his  service, including a Certificate of Commendation, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

“Devastatingly, during his deployment in Afghanistan, Tyler suffered a traumatic brain injury from an IED, leaving him with serious and permanent deficits. At only 24 years old, he also suffers with (post-traumatic stress disorder) and intermittent explosive disorder from the horrors of the war he had to participate in and witness. Since returning from Afghanistan, Tyler was transferred to the Wounded Warrior Regiment, where he has received extensive treatment,” the post says.

The website says Heisey received notice for mandatory medical retirement, leaving him with 30 days to move out of his base housing and travel from California to Illinois with his family.

“As his single parent, I am unable to provide sufficient financial assistance to see them through this difficult time. I am reaching out to friends, family and anyone who is willing to help a wounded marine as he makes this transition to begin a future outside the military,” Lois Heisey said on the Fundly website.

Read More

• Fundly Post: Help Sgt. Tyler Heisey, Wounded Warrior
• Kane County Chronicle: Mother Starts Fundraiser for Injured Marine Son