Brian & Katie Need Our Help!

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53 donors
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$8,370 raised of $110K

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Brian & Katie Need Our Help!

Brian & Katie Need Our Help!

0% complete

$8,370 raised of $110K

53 donations
Donation protected
On June 10th, 2015, while on his way to work, Brian collided with a cyclist.  Sadly, the cyclist did not survive her injuries.

This tragic event changed the lives of Brian & Katie profoundly.  Although Brian was not ticketed, and no criminal chargers were filed, the cyclist’s family filed a multi-million dollar wrongful death lawsuit against Brian that is still ongoing.

Over the past three years, they filed for bankruptcy, which was denied exposing them, in full, to any damages that might be awarded as a result of the lawsuit.  As you can imagine, a monetary judgement of this caliber, and with no way to discharge through bankruptcy, would result in the loss of their home, vehicles, wages and a lifetime of financial struggle.

The lawsuit has already cost them tens of thousands in legal fees and monetary losses.  The financial devastation they’ve acquired has led to a foreclosure on their home and the threat of vehicle repossession hangs above them. 

Today, February 5th, Brian went through a mediation in an attempt to settle without a trial.  Through the heroic efforts of the mediator a potentially agreeable settlement was reached.  This settlement includes $100K, an apology & some other terms.  The major caveat:  The $100K is due in 60 days!

After liquidating as many of their assets as possible, including draining their retirement funds, Brian & Katie are still in need of $60,000.  This amount includes $10,000 to get their financial affairs back on track & keep them in their home.

Brian & Katie are in desperate need of our help.  They have until February 19th to determine if they’ll be able to raise the necessary funds in time.  This seems like an impossible task, but Brian & Katie need this “Hail Mary” to begin moving forward with their lives.

Brian & Katie have so much to offer in this life.  They are the loving parents of two beautiful boys.  They are the suspender-clad bartender & jovial art creator who love euchre, coffee, family & friends.  Most of all, they are our loved ones and this tragedy should not define their lives. Please share this fundraiser and give what you can.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to finance a microloan, rather than a donation, please contact Brian directly at [email redacted].  Brian’s lawyer would administer the loan and repayment would occur over a 5-year period.

Due to recent updates regarding the settlement, in the event that the settlement were to fall through, all donations will be redirected to Brian's past & future legal defense.  For those of you who donated prior to 8:45 AM 2/7/19, Lizz will reach out to you individually to verify your donation may be used towards Brian's legal defense, in place of the settlement, if need be.  Additionally, any funds raised over the goal will be used to offset any monetary debts & fees that Brian & Katie have acquired in relation to the suit.

Thank you all for your donations & efforts toward spreading the word of this fund so far!  It is greatly appreciated.






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Organizer and beneficiary

Lizz Lorentz
Organizer
Madison, WI
Brian Hodgson
Beneficiary
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