Aid the Negelein Family Through Medical Crisis

Negelein Family in Need

Claremore, OK – Near Foyil

On July 4th, while preparing for a celebration, Gerald Negelein (40) and his longtime friend of 25 years, Larry Richardson (40), attempted to repurpose an old 50-gallon drum—previously used to store windshield wiper fluid—into a backyard trash can. Although the drum had been empty for over a year, it exploded when Gerald used a plasma cutter to modify it.

Gerald was life-flighted to the ICU burn unit in Tulsa with burns covering 60% of his body, including first-, second-, and third-degree burns. Larry also sustained burns on 33% of his body and was transported by ambulance to the same hospital.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, Gerald and his wife Melissa faced another devastating ordeal when their 14-year-old son, Isaiah Negelein, was hospitalized in the pediatric ICU with severe bacterial pneumonia and pleural fluid. He developed abscesses behind his throat, above his heart, and on one of his lungs. After undergoing three surgeries, Isaiah required a fourth to remove a hematoma from inside his lung. He spent 21 days in the hospital and continues to receive medical care as doctors work to uncover the underlying cause of his condition.

The Negelein family supports five children and an elderly father-in-law. Gerald, a combat veteran who served two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, has worked as a mechanic for the past 25 years and is currently employed as a Master Mechanic at Matthews CDJR in Vinita, OK. His wife, Melissa Negelein, is a dedicated USPS letter carrier in Claremore, OK. Together, they work hard to provide for their family—but now face months of medical treatments, lost income, and significant hardship.

Gerald faces a long road to recovery that will include multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

We are humbly asking for donations of any kind. Your support will help the family cover medical bills, travel costs, daily expenses, and care for the children while Gerald is hospitalized.

Please keep Gerald, Larry, and their families in your prayers as they begin this long journey of healing.

Thank you for your kindness.