Shortly after 9 p.m. on April 16, 19-year-old Ian Mallard, of Naples, Texas, was on his way home from work on his three-wheel bike when he was hit by a vehicle as he crossed the highway.

Fortunately, three people exiting a nearby church saw Ian in the road and called 911. With the flattened bicycle and personal belongings scattered across the road, the ambulance arrived, and Ian was subsequently airlifted to UT Health in Tyler. In-flight, he had to be intubated after having respiratory failure.

Ian moved with his mother, Jillian Smith, to Naples in 2023 and quickly integrated himself into the community. He found a job and began helping out financially at home.

Ian is an artist, a talented cook, and a hard worker. He has a great sense of humor. He loved his job at Chartier’s with Dennis and Connie Chartier, and he had purchased the bike with money he saved. And now all he wants to do is go back to work.

Ian lost his income, and the medical bills are pouring in. Ian suffered an open leg fracture of the tibia, fracture of the fibula, a fracture to his skull, two small brain bleeds, a laceration to his head, and lots of road rash. Surgery on his leg involved a rod to stabilize his broken tibia and screws in his ankle. Doctors say that it could be a year or more before his leg fully heals, and he has months of physical and speech therapies ahead of him. He has also suffered short-term memory loss that is still being evaluated.

Even after what is covered by medical insurance, out-of-pocket expenses are expected to be several thousands of dollars. That doesn’t even include the cost of replacing the bike or of accommodations being made to the house to ensure Ian has his best chance at day-to-day living while he heals.

Please consider a donation in any amount to help Ian and his family offset expenses and loss of income. Every dollar helps and will be greatly appreciated. And to help further, please share with your family and friends far and wide—through social media, letters, or posters—to help us reach the most potential donors.