TLC’s beloved Putman family is continuing to navigate immense grief and daunting medical challenges following the September car crash that killed three of their loved ones. In a new update, the stars of “Meet the Putmans” shared that 11-year-old Gia Putman has undergone her 10th major surgery in just 75 days.
Gia, the daughter of Brandon and Kacie Putman, survived the crash along with several relatives, but her recovery has been long and painful.
“Our family has been and is going through some major challenges, to say the least, for the last three months now,” the Putmans wrote on Instagram on December 9.
“Yesterday, Gia went through her 10th major surgery in the last 75 days. Our family hasn’t been fully together since September 26.”
Gia’s Extensive Recovery Continues After First Craniotomy
The family shared that Gia’s journey began the day after the crash with a craniotomy on September 27. Since then, they have been at her bedside through every operation.
“We stood next to Gia’s bed after a successful surgery, and went through all the things God has pulled her through,” they wrote. They recalled doctors, nurses, and even cleaning staff stopping by her ICU room to celebrate her progress. “They stopped in for a dose of joy that only comes from one place.”
Other Survivors Are Healing as the Family Leans on Faith
Gia was not the only family member injured in the crash. Blake Putman, along with his and Megan’s children, Noah, 15, Lulu, 13, and Alena, 11, also required hospitalization. Megan, along with family patriarch Bill “Papa” Putman and matriarch Barb “Neenee” Putman, died at the scene.
Despite their pain, the family said their faith has carried them forward. “One might say that our family deserves a break, that we’ve endured enough,” they shared. “But although our earthly bodies may be broken and hurting and exhausted and want that break, our hearts and souls are still crying out to God, ‘Use me, dear God! Take this and use it for good!’”
They added, “As scary as it is to fully give up your comfort zone, we pray you pray the same prayer we are, ‘God use us! We trust You!’”
Crash Details: Semi-Truck Failed to Stop at Intersection
The crash occurred near Detroit on the night of September 26, when eight members of the family were riding together in a Jeep. According to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, a loaded semi-truck failed to stop at a stop sign and slammed into their vehicle, killing three family members instantly.
In the months since, the family has continued to share updates with supporters as they face a long, difficult recovery: physically, emotionally, and as a unit, learning to move forward.
