June 26th and 27th update added below.

Our son Joseph Hygh was in a terrible accident on March 13th.

He collided into the back of a semi truck after a job interview in Polk County, FL.

He was very excited because he got the job. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to work at all for the next 8-12 weeks depending on his physical recovery.

He was in the hospital for 5 days, had 2 surgeries for a shattered ankle, has a fractured c7 vertebrae, and a lot of bumps and bruising from the impact and the air bags. He doesn’t remember anything about the accident only waking up and seeing the car on fire.

Shawn and I went to be with him at the hospital and give support to Toni (his girlfriend and caregiver), and 6 month old daughter.

He is looking at a long recovery . Shawn and I are helping as much as we can but we know we won’t be able to cover everything they will need over the next few months.

We are so thankful to everyone that has been praying for him. It has meant more than we could ever explain. We ask that you continue to pray for his healing and recovery.

We are also asking that if you are able to help financially anything will be appreciated.

Thank you again for all of your love and support.

Update - 3/23

Joseph has been home a week. He is still in some pain but much more comfortable at home.

His girlfriend, Toni is taking care of him and making sure he is following the doctor’s instructions.

He has his first follow up appointments set.

Shawn has set up an account for him to help pay the upcoming doctor bills and household bills.

Thank you for all the prayers and support you have given him.

April 2 update

Joe had his first follow-up appointments today. One with the orthopedic doctor the other with the trauma doctor.

He had the bandages and stitches removed from his foot. The stitches were basically from one side of his foot to the other. He still has two pins, one on the top and one on the bottom of his foot to stabilize the joint. Those should be removed at the next appointment in 4 weeks. It was a pretty bad break so the concern the doctor has now is whether or not the bone is going to survive. If it doesn’t they will need to do more surgery.

It’s going to be another 10 weeks before he can start putting weight on his foot and possibly 3 months before he can try walking. That means at least another 3 months out from work.

The trauma doctor just went over his injuries and what the next several weeks are going to look like, his neurologist appointments, wearing the neck collar properly and keeping the foot elevated etc. Just a lot of information. It’s very overwhelming and it’s not even my injuries.

Please keep him in your prayers. Pray for complete healing and recovery. Please pray for Toni, she is taking such good care of him, the kids and the household.

Thank you so much for all of your support. We all appreciate it more than we can express.

May 14th - Orthopedic appointment went well. The stitches from the last surgery were removed.

The doctor said the bone looks like it is healing!!! The outside of the foot has new tissue growth and is healing well too.

2 more weeks without any weight on it then he can start wearing a boot and gradually begin to put weight on it.

May 15 - The news wasn’t as good today. The C7 has not healed. The doctor said he didn’t think it would but was hopeful because Joey is younger. Since there is some spinal slippage and failure to heal he will have to go back in 6wks to see if there is any improvement but will probably require surgery. The

doctors here have been amazing and they are working with him since he does not have insurance.

Thank you all so much for continuing to pray and for your help with paying for the medical bills and everyday needs.

we are beyond grateful, humbled and thankful for all of you.

June 27, 2025

Joe Hygh update.:

Joey had another orthopedic follow up. The X-rays looked good. New tissue is continuing to grow. He is allowed to use his boot and put weight on the foot. Once he starts physical therapy he can start trying to walk some without the boot using his walker.

He had another CT scan and X-ray done for the neck fracture on Monday. At the neurology follow up the doctor told him that the fracture HAS STARTED TO HEAL!!!

After the last visit we were told surgery was probably the next step but now he may not need to. He still has to wear the brace and have another CT and X-ray done for his next appointment in 8 weeks BUT we have healing!

Answered prayers for sure.

He still needs your prayers for continued health and healing.

He is here in GA with us so if you want to stop by and chat I know it would help keep him in god spirits.

He has been stuck inside since March so I know he would enjoy the company.

Thank you again.