Support Valerie Donlon’s Road to Recovery

On September 21st, Valerie's life changed in an instant. What began as a routine trip to visit family turned tragic when another driver veered left of center, causing a devastating head-on collision. Valerie and her parents were rushed to the hospital with critical injuries. Tragically, her parents did not survive the accident. Just after receiving this heartbreaking news, Valerie was taken into surgery. Her injuries were severe, including a broken neck, back, both arms and her right leg, which meant she had to endure the loss of her parents from her hospital bed.

In the ensuing week and a half, Valerie underwent four major surgeries. Doctors placed plates, rods, and screws in her back, arms, and leg. Her kneecap was shattered into 15 fragments due to the impact. After spending a week in the ICU and two weeks in a spinal unit ward, she was transferred to a rehab facility where she would begin the arduous process of healing.

Valerie's next six weeks were spent in an inpatient rehabilitation center, where she engaged in intensive occupational and physical therapy. Tasks that once seemed mundane became monumental challenges as she relearned how to navigate daily life, all while coming to terms with the loss of her beloved parents.

After her discharge, Valerie moved into her parents' home, the most suitable place for her ongoing recovery. She now receives physical therapy several times a week to aid in her long and difficult journey back to health.

Compounding these challenges is the fact that her husband, Mike, also required surgery to remove six hernias, a consequence of a previous operation. As one of Valerie's primary sources of support, his own health battles have added another layer of difficulty to their lives. Due to these extreme circumstances, Mike had to take an early retirement, adding financial strain to their already heavy emotional burden.

We are reaching out to seek your support for Valerie and her family during this incredibly trying time. Between the hospital stay, multiple surgeries, and over a month stay at an inpatient rehab facility, there have been close to $500k in medical bills. Insurance has been a blessing during a time like this, however, there are and will continue to be ongoing expenses that will need to be covered out-of-pocket. Your generous contributions will help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and daily needs as they navigate this difficult journey. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping! Thank you for your kindness and support.