Darby Jones -Medical Follow Up Care

Darby Shae Jones is an 18 year old graduate of Stockdale High School. She has been a volunteer at the San Antonio Zoo for over a year, and just recently completed her first paid position there as a Summer Naturalist Intern. Darby was excited to be starting classes this fall at Palo Alto College to pursue a degree in Biology.

Unfortunately, on August 10, 2015, Darby was in a horrific car accident that took the life of her best friend and left her in critical condition. That day Darby was transported by helicopter to SAMMC due to the nature of her injuries. She suffered a severely broken jaw in two places, broken and crushed ribs on her right side, a fractured spine, a large gash requiring staples in the back of her head, and numerous lacerations and bruises. Darby spent 6 days in a level 1 trauma ICU room, 1 day in a step-down ICU Room, and 2 days in a regular hospital room. She also underwent a nearly 6 hour surgery to repair her jaw.

Darby is now home and recovering with the help of friends and family. However, the astronomical cost of her medical care (which is expected to be well over 6 figures) is becoming a huge reality as the bills have started pouring in. Just the cost of the helicopter ride alone was $33,430.14.

 

Darby did not have health insurance and the vehicle she was driving carried only liability coverage. Therefore, the only coverage available to help with medical costs is the $2,500 PIP policy attached to the liability insurance.

In addition, Darby’s father had been on doctor ordered bed rest at the time of the accident due to a medical condition. Her mother has had to take leave from work the past 2 weeks to be by her side to provide the love and support needed to help Darby heal, both physically and emotionally from this horrible tragedy. She will continue to take leave through many months of follow-up procedures and appointments. This accident has devastated Darby and her entire family emotionally and financially.

Darby continues to visit the doctors in San Antonio, over 50 miles from her home, twice a week to adjust the wires and stabilizer bars in her jaw and monitor her spinal fracture. In addition, the facial surgeon said once the hardware in her mouth is removed, she will have to visit an orthodontist. However, this family has depleted all of their savings already and are concerned about how they will be able to attend and pay for all of Darby’s follow-up appointments, especially those that require cash payment in advance and don’t allow for payment arrangements.

The Jones family says they are already so grateful for all the prayers, love, and support they’ve already received and are amazed by our tiny community. When I asked why they didn’t already open a Go Fund Me Account or ask for donations, they said our little town has been hit by such hardship over the last couple years that they hated to ask for help. However, after they realized the growing cost of Darby's care, they would appreciate any help offered.

I know Stockdale has been hit hard by tragedy recently, but I also know Stockdale is a strong, tightly bonded community that takes care of its own. Please if at all possible, help take care of our own by donating to help pay for costs involved in Darby’s follow-up care and medical bills. No amount is too small!

For those that would like to avoid the 3rd party from taking a percentage of your donation, you can email and we can send account information to you.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!