Shell On Wheels

As you might know by now, my sister Shelly was out at a group dinner one evening in early June, and while trying to prevent someone else from being injured during an attack, she sustained some knee injuries. 


Shelly’s knee injury has turned out to be more severe than we’d have thought possible – her tibia/leg bone is fractured/broken, tendons on both sides of the knee are sprained, and the ACL ligament is completely torn.  She can’t put any weight on her right leg, can’t drive, can’t walk even a step without crutches and a ton of help, is currently still in a wheelchair, and has had her entire life interrupted after attempting to be a good friend and Samaritan.  


On June 20th while at work, she started experiencing chest pains and trouble breathing. She was taken to a free standing Emergency room, tested, then transported by ambulance to North Florida Regional Hospital.  Further testing revealed blood clots have traveled from her leg to her lungs, with additional clots that have formed in her leg, just waiting their turn to break loose and travel to her lungs as well, or God forbid her heart. 


Since June 1st when the injury first happened, she has been to multiple medical appointments, has had xrays and MRIs, physical therapy to prepare her knee and leg for surgery, and will have to undergo a pretty extensive surgery later this summer, followed by even more physical therapy.  She has lost quite a few days of work so far and will lose a lot more before and after the surgery, and even with insurance this hospital stay is going to be astronomically expensive. 


If all this weren’t enough, she is almost out of paid days off from work. She hasn’t been there long enough to qualify for short or long term disability, only FMLA, which protects your job but doesn’t provide any income. 


This injury has really impacted my fun, outgoing, active, and amazing sister.  It’s terrible what can change in an instant.
You all know that Shelly would never ask anyone for money. She is supremely grateful for the physical help and support of all of her friends who are making it possible for her to get even the smallest things done.  Everything always seems to be on the other side of the room when she needs it!   Unfortunately, the lost wages from all of the unexpected days off will have a serious impact on her life as she knows it.  She’s putting on a brave face but she’s having a hard time.  If we can alleviate a bit of her stress by taking some of the burden of lost pay off her shoulders, it would mean the world to her and to our family.  


100% of any donations after the website takes fees will go straight to Shelly to use for necessities like groceries, her mortgage, utilities and medical expenses, until she can get back to full-time work. 


Whether or not you are able to donate, please know that Shelly and our family feel and appreciate your support, no matter how big or small.