On the evening of July 3rd, what was meant to be a joyful outing turned into a nightmare for our dear friends — the Bruce family — an Air Force family who had just relocated to Scott Air Force Base.

While picking out a few fireworks to celebrate the holiday, a van suddenly reversed through protective barriers and into the fireworks tent where Maris, her husband, and their young son were standing.

In a terrifying instant, Maris was thrown by the impact, and her husband and son were trapped underneath the van.

By some miracle, their son survived with road rash and a burn from being under the engine. Heroic bystanders rushed in and managed to lift the van off her husband, who remains in the hospital with probable spinal fractures and other injuries.

My sweet friend Maris, while having minor injuries, is now also facing the emotional and logistical toll of caring for her injured husband and son — all while being the anchor for their family, which also includes their daughter, who was thankfully safe at home at the time of the accident.

They had just moved into their home one week ago. What should have been a fresh start for this family has become a time of crisis and uncertainty.

This GoFundMe is to help support them with:

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses

• Childcare and home support

• Transportation and temporary needs

• Any other unexpected costs as they recover and rebuild

The Bruce family has served our country through the Air Force — now it’s our turn to serve them in their time of need. Every donation, share, prayer, and kind word means more than you can imagine. Thank you for lifting up this incredible family as they navigate the road ahead.