On Wednesday evening December 3, 2025, Blaise Augustine Banks, 19, the youngest child of Sharon Roufa and Dale Banks, was in a head-on collision caused by a reckless driver near Pullman Washington, where Blaise is attending college at Washington State University (WSU) as an honors student. Blaise was airflighted in critical condition to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane. Blaise has had multiple operations and is being closely monitored, but has suffered broken bones and a traumatic brain injury that will require long term rehabilitation.

Many of you know Blaise who grew up in Homer; a gifted academic, hockey goalie and softball athlete, volunteer and a truly unique and inspiring person. Over the past year and a half, Blaise has been an active member of the WSU community, serving as the President of the Crimson Robotics Club.

We are raising funds to help Dale and Sharon and family stay in Washington for the extended recovery. Let’s show all of them the love of our community and friends everywhere. Thank you deeply for all your loving support. Funds not used for support during recovery will be put in a fund for Blaise to use as needed.