Gayle Stevens Accident Recovery Fund

Susan Hopper is organizing this fundraiser.

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!Hey everyone it’s Val here for an update on my beautiful wife (Gayle Stevens)... sorry it’s LONG & I haven’t been as attentive to you guys but it has been a grueling, taxing, and emotional month for us with all that has happened!! Let me start by saying to everyone that has helped on the Go Fund Me page... We would both personally like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts. We are very prideful & hard-working individuals… And also very reluctant to have a Go Fund Me page when a very close friend reminded us that you can’t do everything yourselves and people that care about you want to help you and you have to let them. She also reminded me what a beautiful person Gayle is and how she’s always been there for anyone that needed her and not to feel ashamed about asking for help. Susan , who sponsored our Go Fund Me page, is a beautiful human being and has been here for us from the beginning and still reminding us to post updates because the accident has been so overwhelming and has changed the course of both of our lives to the point that we just needed a little time to catch our breath. Anyway, It’s not just about the donations. The comments have brought her spirits up and I’m so grateful to all of you that shared and commented because it makes her feel loved & has meant the world to not only her but me as well so THANK YOU...Considering that Gayle will be out of work for quite some time! To you we owe our gratitude! I definitely think times like these really show everyone’s kind & loving nature. Yesterday was our follow up for all of Gayle’s injuries, which if you don’t know by now we’re quite extensive! We knew things were bad, however when you see the films it really hits home… And as her wife I am truly grateful that she’s such a strong woman and not only that she’s she alive, but she will be able to walk in time with the proper therapy. Gayle’s Injuries were very extensive, both internal and external. She has received two plates to hold her ankle to her leg, five broken ribs, a collapsed lung, displaced tendon, a bone fracture in her left hand, and a through and through break on her clavicle (collarbone). They took the cast off her ankle yesterday and removed the stitches and this was the first time Gayle has been able to see her foot. This is where the emotional part comes into play. Gayle is a hard-working standup person. Words can’t express how much I look up to her in so many ways. She is the strongest person I’ve ever known, beating the odds every time they are presented to her. Cancer, broken back, broken neck, and the list goes on. People who know us on a Personal level know that I called her “the girl in the titanium bubble”! I only wish that someone could engineer that titanium bubble for us! LOL. She has quite a long recovery ahead of her, and it’s scary for us both… But we are a team and are determined to have her back on her feet! To her clients, it’s been hardest on her thinking of you guys. She is a loyal & wonderful stylist of the hair! She takes hair to a whole different level and I know that those of you that are missing her, are missing her bad!! Her previous injuries should’ve kept her from being on her feet as long as she has, but that never stops her! She put you guys first every time and it’s killing her not to be able to provide for you guys. She swears to be back in again & if you know her she does what she says. This time though, instead of being, “Stubborn Gayle,” seeing the plates and the screws in her ankle really put things into perspective for her, and myself. It’s scary to see the hardware in your body but again how thankful are we that she is able to be put back together. This will be a long hard road for us and we continue to make big strides every day. What seems to be so minuscule to the normal person is such a big battle for her right now. But she’s doing it with her chin up and not letting herself or anyone else down! I’m not a big writer, or a person of many words when it comes to things like this. We do continue to ask for your prayers and well wishes because we feel that the gift of prayer has really lifted her through this trying time. The donations are wonderful and very helpful considering the world still turns even when devastation happens to people everywhere. Living it has changed who we are and the way that we see the world. Being a business owner, when she can’t physically work, and feels like she can’t contribute, I think it’s her hardest battle to bare. I’m back at work when she doesn’t need me. It’s been tough on us both because I’m not home as much as I would like to take care of her and trust me it’s a full-time job! LOL. Attached are just a few of the pics from yesterday to let you guys know the severity of the wreck that she was in! She was not at fault in this accident and saved her own life by making the decision to veer right and exit the road as the other driver’s trailer overtook her lane and never stopped. We assume he was unaware that it happened. Just please know, staying off the phone when you’re driving is so important. Paying attention to what you’re doing can unknowingly save a life! We are all guilty of being on those damn phones! Watch out for your motorcyclist because they’re watching out for you! PLEASE . So for the next couple months she will be in the wheelchair. The surgery for the hand may or may not happen in a couple of weeks so we’re waiting to get that cast off to get more x-rays to see how it’s healing. The clavicle, seems to be the worst of her issues… Considering what has happened to her ankle it seems to be minor but the collarbone is an injury that is very hard to heal. It’s broken pretty severely, and it’s just going to take some time. Her lung is doing better, and just like the collarbone the ribs will just take the time to heal.

Thank you for letting me ramble and feel free to reach out because obviously I’m not a big Facebooker!!

Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers and donations as they really are helpful. We wouldn’t know what to do without you guys.

To my wife, I love you sweetheart. The worst part is watching you be in so much pain. I would take it away in a heartbeat if I could! Gayle you’re my life, and I want to personally thank you as well for being the strong woman that you are... not letting anything, and I mean anything ever get you down! You’re my hero and I’m proud to call you my wife! Godspeed sweetheart...

Val Stevens