Help Franko and Ashley, Motorcycle Wreck

My name is Kerri and this fundraiser is to help two of the most amazing humans I'm lucky enough to call friends, heal from a horrendous motorcycle wreck. Most of us have heard of Romeo and Juliet and consider it one of the greatest love stories. I remember first hearing the tale and thinking, wow, wouldn’t it be so amazing to have someone love you so much that they would die for you? Does that kind of love even really exist? Well, let me introduce to you Franko Sims and Ashley Connolly. On Saturday, April 29th, Franko and Ashley were riding 2up on his badass, all-American, Harley Davidson with a group of 5 other Harleys in Brevard, NC on Crab Creek Road. As they were cruising down a straight roadway with the wind beneath their wings, a Ford Explorer waiting in the turning lane decided that he would try to gun it instead of waiting for the motorcycle group to pass. This may have been okay if he would have followed through. But instead of making smart decisions and not being a complete idiot with no regards for human life, the driver hesitated which resulted in Franko to have to make split second decisions. Not wanting to hit the car head on, Frankie slammed his right leg down while simultaneously pushing Ashley off the side of the bike out of the way of the car. Franko’s fast thinking ultimately saved their lives. Both know how lucky they are, but luck will not pay the bills. The extent of their injuries is going to cause them to be bed ridden for at least 3 months. The injuries sustained are as follows:

Frankie has a broken hip, broken knee, and currently has rods on his femur that they’ve attached a water weight to. He will need surgery, possibly multiples. He has stiff muscles and is unable to walk or use the bathroom.

Ashley has a broken right hip and soft tissue damage in her right knee. She also had internal bleeding in her lower stomach that has stopped but did cause a huge hematoma in her private areas. There is also deep tissue bruising, stiff muscles, and she is unable to walk or use the bathroom on her own.

These are just the physical injuries. The number of what ifs and mental struggles they are facing are extreme which is why I’ve created this GFM. Franko is also a Marine who served from 2008-2012 and did two tours in AF, as well as receiving multiple awards which include- Combat Action Ribbon, USMC Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, AfghanistanCampaign Medal x3, NATO/ISAF ribbon, Sea Service Ribbon x2, and a National Defense Ribbon as well. All proceeds go directly to them and will ensure they don’t have to stress about money or bills and can focus on healing and loving each other. I want to write more about the love these two have for each other, but I’d be here all day. A picture is worth a thousand words though so please look and thank you for reading if you’ve made it this far.

When they first got to see each other after being air lifted to Mission.

Before

UPDATE- Frankie has made it through two surgeries so far. Thankfully Ashley did not need surgery, but there is still a long, painful road ahead of her. Thank you everyone so far for your donations.

UPDATE- Franko and Ashley are both home! Frankie had to pretty much have a whole hip replacement and surgery on his knee, but they are staying strong. They are so grateful to each and everyone of y'all and are just so thankful to be here in this life, with each other. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated so far!!!! There will also be a benefit ride for them and a bike night fundraiser. I will post the flyers in an update soon!

Update- Staying in high spirits. Ashley and Frankie at their bike night fundraiser.

Update- Raised right at 3k from their Benefit Ride! Over 120 bikes showed up and the outpouring of love was amazing. Thank you for the continued donations!