Community support for Bob, former owner of Gansons
Donation protected
On December 19th, my dad, Bob Thompson was involved in a head on collision on highway 67. The air bag module reported that his truck was hit with 12 G’s of force (over double the G’s generated from the fastest roller coaster). Bystanders saw his truck airborne and the engine in flames. The Sgt. from the Bettendorf Police Department said my Dad unfortunately was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Dad said if the accident had to happen, he was glad it happened to him and not to a younger person who had children in their car. This is the type of guy my Dad is.
The results of an 80 mph head on collision are 5 broken ribs, lacerated spleen, bruised heart and lungs, concussion, fibula fractures in two places, shattered ankle, ruptured bicep, rotator cuff tears, pulmonary emboli, and a $30K helicopter ride to University of Iowa Hospital.
Bystanders and firemen extinguishing the flames and first responders cutting the drivers seat away to get dad out. His emergency brake was shoved into his thigh at this point. This caused a large laceration requiring him to receive two units of blood. A paramedic stayed in the vehicle with him the entire time they worked to get him out. This paramedic suffered from smoke inhalation.
Although Dad immediately stated that this injury would not interfere with his annual fishing trip to Detroit, reality began to set in. After three surgeries at the U of I, acute recovery time, and a transfer to Genesis Inpatient rehab for several weeks, Bob is miraculously at home under the close watch of Genesis Visiting Nurses, family and friends.
2018 Thompson family Christmas on the University of Iowa Trauma Unit
First responders and police officer that worked with dad at the scene of the accident.
Dad is the kindest and most generous man I know (I might be biased). I've never known him to ask for help as he’s too busy helping others- snowplow, mowing, fixing cars, remodeling my house, cutting wood, or loaning out his tools. He prides himself on being a father figure to newbies at Arconic and watching out for the staff from our former business, Ganson’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe. Dad has always looked out for all of us, now it is our turn to return the kindness and generosity. Matter of fact, both my parents never ask for help. They trudge through what life hands them and they move forward. Right now stress is high and even though they are grateful my Dad survived this horrific accident, their spirits are starting to run low.
Former employees of Ganson’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe visiting dad after he came home from the hospital. My parents employed many refugees from World Relief and still maintain contact with several families.
Dad will be off work for a minimum of 6 to 7 months as he primarily uses a power wheelchair for all of his injuries. Recovery will be slow and future surgeries are likely. As we all know, medical bills add up very quickly and become quite overwhelming. As a community this is one way that we can show our love and support.
Thank you so much for any amount, small or large. It all will make a huge difference to my entire family.
The results of an 80 mph head on collision are 5 broken ribs, lacerated spleen, bruised heart and lungs, concussion, fibula fractures in two places, shattered ankle, ruptured bicep, rotator cuff tears, pulmonary emboli, and a $30K helicopter ride to University of Iowa Hospital.
Bystanders and firemen extinguishing the flames and first responders cutting the drivers seat away to get dad out. His emergency brake was shoved into his thigh at this point. This caused a large laceration requiring him to receive two units of blood. A paramedic stayed in the vehicle with him the entire time they worked to get him out. This paramedic suffered from smoke inhalation.Although Dad immediately stated that this injury would not interfere with his annual fishing trip to Detroit, reality began to set in. After three surgeries at the U of I, acute recovery time, and a transfer to Genesis Inpatient rehab for several weeks, Bob is miraculously at home under the close watch of Genesis Visiting Nurses, family and friends.
2018 Thompson family Christmas on the University of Iowa Trauma UnitFirst responders and police officer that worked with dad at the scene of the accident. Dad is the kindest and most generous man I know (I might be biased). I've never known him to ask for help as he’s too busy helping others- snowplow, mowing, fixing cars, remodeling my house, cutting wood, or loaning out his tools. He prides himself on being a father figure to newbies at Arconic and watching out for the staff from our former business, Ganson’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe. Dad has always looked out for all of us, now it is our turn to return the kindness and generosity. Matter of fact, both my parents never ask for help. They trudge through what life hands them and they move forward. Right now stress is high and even though they are grateful my Dad survived this horrific accident, their spirits are starting to run low.
Former employees of Ganson’s Neighborhood Bakery and Cafe visiting dad after he came home from the hospital. My parents employed many refugees from World Relief and still maintain contact with several families. Dad will be off work for a minimum of 6 to 7 months as he primarily uses a power wheelchair for all of his injuries. Recovery will be slow and future surgeries are likely. As we all know, medical bills add up very quickly and become quite overwhelming. As a community this is one way that we can show our love and support.
Thank you so much for any amount, small or large. It all will make a huge difference to my entire family.
Fundraising team: Team Bob (4)
Kate Thompson
Organizer
Rock Island, IL
Christine Thompson
Beneficiary
Joanne Hughes
Team member
Alexander Carter
Team member
Rebekah Wilson
Team member
