UPitt Professor Battles Traumatic Brain Injury After Bicycle Crash

PITTSBURGH, PA — An adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh is recovering from a bad bicycle crash, and friends are asking for donations to pay for his care.

Todd Kart was in a serious accident June 12 and broke bones in his face and nose, according to the GoFundMe. He suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is visually impaired.

"Recovery will take months, if not years," friends wrote. "Todd will need nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy and adaptive equipment."

Kart is an instructor in the accounting and finance departments, according to the university website.

Kart is at Mercy Hospital's Rehab Institute in Pittsburgh until he is discharged, friends wrote on Sunday when they started the fundraiser. He is regaining some physical abilities, friends wrote, but has lost some mental sharpness.

"When asked to list as many words that begin with the letter “m” in one minute, Todd could name only one," friends wrote. "He thinks he is currently living in Wisconsin, where he lived from 2003 – 2006. It is an understatement to say that Todd’s cognitive abilities are lagging."

Since Sunday, people have raised more than $26,000.

"While positivity prevails, it is unknown if Todd will ever be able to work again. It is also unknown how long his recovery will take or if he will make a full recovery. Every Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) patient is unique, so every patient’s outcome is unique. No doctor can assure us if Todd will make a full recovery."

Click here to access the GoFundMe.