Let's Fix Jed!

You might not know Jedidiah Hall, but I do, and because of that I'd like to take a moment to tell you about him. At 27 years of age he's more than just a man to at least three people in this world. To his wife and children he's a superhero. Jed is like many of us, a blue collar man and the sole breadwinner in his household. He's worked countless hours, (weekends, nights, and holidays included) to provide for his wife Helen, seven year old daughter Savannah, and 3 year old son Gabriel.

He's the kind of man that you know you can depend on. The kind of guy who will come pull you out of the ditch at 3AM when you're stranded in a blizzard. Who'll come do backbreaking work and help you on a project on his time off because you asked him. He's the most loyal, honest, and hardworking individual I've had the pleasure of ever knowing.

But, sadly, terrible things often happen to the best of us. On January 28th, 2014, that exact thing happened. He was up with the sun like any other morning, kissing his wife and children goodbye in Sturgis, South Dakota and taking the lunch his wife made him on his 15 mile transit to Vale to begin the day's work. He was grinding corn that morning, when he became entangled, and completely mangled, by the Power Take Off unit that is attached to the back of a tractor that is used to spin the corn grinder at 1048 RPMS. After being caught on the PTO, it spun his body viciously. It was actually spinning so hard it flung his boots (which were strapped on) the better part of 60 feet, and ripped his coveralls and coat completely.

Then, for reasons still unknown, the tractor stalled, sparing Jed not only his limbs, but his life as well. But what it didn't spare him, was the grievous injuries inflicted, and an amount of pain so extreme I cannot even begin to comprehend.

Two Broken Femurs
One Broken Ankle
One Broken Foot(With metatarsil bones((toes)) poking out of the skin)
Shattered Pelvis
Broken Hip Socket
Broken Arm
Cracked and Broken Ribs (10-13 of them)
Punctured Lungs
Ruptured Spleen

It took five units of blood and ten hours of surgery to keep him alive.

He's been in sedation now for six days without stirring much at the time of the posting of this message. If you take a moment to look at that damage list, keep one thing in mind, which is the purpose of this whole message.

It's going to be expensive.

Not just for the surgeries and the treatment. Not only for the wheelchair and other specialized equipment he'll need after the hospital. Not only for the expected YEARS of physical therapy he'll require to make a recovery. But just to feed and keep his family warm and provided for. Like many of us in the Agricultural Community he wasn't born with a silver spoon in his mouth, our lives revolve around being able to do hard and physical work. This is no longer an option for Jed. Most likely won't be for years.

I don't know everyone's financial situation. But I'm not asking for a lot from anyone. If everyone could donate money that'd be amazing. As much as you can. In addition to that, what's maybe more important is SHARING this message as much as you can. Share it on Facebook. Tell your friends, your family, you're coworkers. Tell you're church groups, book clubs, local radio stations. Tell everyone.

When you tell them, be sure to include that Jed Hall, is the kind of man who would of done it for you.