Darric McLeod

My name is Eric Waters. You may or may not know my cousin, Darric McLeod of Belle Plaine, Iowa. For those that DO know him, you may or may not know that he was in a pretty devastating accident on September 23, 2022. Here is his story (as communicated by his amazing wife Rachel Mantz-McLeod):

Darric was attempting to move a untility tractor out of their shop to change the oil in his pickup. As he reached over to start the tractor so it could warm up, it started to roll, pinning his lower leg and foot under it's weight, crushing both bones, the calcaneus and badly damaging nerves and arteries. In the first of 3 pretty damned tough maneuvers, he pushed the tractor over and off his L leg with his R leg (1), crawled over to the lawn mower and drove it to the house (2), scooted up the front steps and into the house to retrieve his cellphone (3). He then called for help (saying 'I need a ride' SMH!!). His friend insisted on more than a 'ride' and called an ambulance which took him to St Luke's where they were not able to care for this level of trauma thus sending him to the U of Iowa Hospital where he underwent a very sophisticated surgery that placed pins through the fractures (fracture dislocation of the ankle, tib/fib fx, calcaneus fx, foot fx's and extensive tendon and nerve damage), a halo around the leg and subsequent surgeries to continue his care. His chance of amputation was 60%. Although there's a slightly better chance now, he is not out of the woods yet on this front.

Over 8 months later, he hasn't been able to work. And although Medicaid has paid the majority of the bills, Darric hasn't been able to work, thus leaving them in a tough bind at keeping the bills at bay. And if you know Darric, he won't want this help but we're doing this anyway! Let's help Darric until he can get back to work!! We need you to forward this to anyone who might want to offer some assistance. He helps keep the people of Benton County safe as an Operator Maintainor for Secondary Roads. I'm calling on all the friends and family of the 2 big Scots/Irish families of which he is a part--the McLeods, the Daily's and the Mulherin's--the St. Michael's Parish and everyone in between. Please give as much as you can afford; it all adds up!!

Thank you so very much for your time and consideration for Darric, Rachel and Family!

(Please feel free to write Rachel or me with any questions)

God Bless!

Eric Waters