ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A mom is raising money through the foundation she started in her son's name for people who need aftercare following a traumatic brain injury.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 176 Americans die every day because of a traumatic brain injury.

Nichole Steadman founded the nonprofit Jace Landon TBI Aftercare Awareness Foundation in November. On Dec. 27, the two-year anniversary of the car accident her son Jace Landon was in, Steadman is hosting the foundation's first virtual fundraiser. It will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m..

"I just don't want another mom to feel this way," Steadman said. "So, if I can save one person from this pain, then the foundation would be worth every moment I've spent." "I just don't want another mom to feel this way," Steadman said. "So, if I can save one person from this pain, then the foundation would be worth every moment I've spent." 

Landon was 18 years old at the time of a crash on Dec. 27, 2020, in which one teenager died and three more were injured. Landon was in a coma for five days.

"He had no idea who he was or who I was or what was going on for a couple of weeks. It was really hard," Steadman said. "His eyes changed."

Landon suffered a traumatic brain injury. His mom says he became short-tempered, forgetful and suicidal following the accident.

"He did occupational therapy. He did speech therapy in rehabilitation. He did physical therapy. Where was the mental therapy? There was none," Steadman said.

Steadman said Landon checked himself into a hospital twice to get mental assistance, but was released both times. Landon died by suicide on Mother's Day of 2022.

Steadman says she started the nonprofit so more people with TBIs can get the aftercare help they need.