Help Bill Rebuild His Life After Tornado: severe Injury and rebuilding his home

Hello everyone,

My name is Will, and I'm raising funds for my father, Bill, who suffered a life-changing injury during the May 16th tornado that struck St. Louis, Missouri.

UPDATE from my Father:

It's been nearly 7 months since the devastating F3 Tornado struck here in St Louis and almost 5 months since my Hospital stay.

Our home sustained sustained moderate damage until the rain started. My family's attempt find someone to adequately tarp our roof was unsuccessful which caused major damage.

Now we discovered that we were under insured to have our home completely repaired.

Becoming disabled as a result of my lower leg amputation during the tornado I am unable to do most of the the work that I would have been able to do otherwise. So I am asking for your help so that we may be able to get back in our home.

~Bill

When the storm hit, the power went out, and my dad, thinking only of my mom’s safety, rushed to grab a flashlight so they could see in the dark basement. He had just stepped six feet outside the basement door when a beam came crashing through a window, striking him in the right shin and severing his right ankle completely.

Bill is now facing the reality of life with a missing limb.

This injury is devastating for many reasons. My father is a driver by profession, and this will significantly impact his ability to work. He’s also a passionate craftsman and carpenter who loves building things for his family, friends, and community. The road ahead will not only be physically and emotionally difficult—it will be financially challenging as well.

If you know Bill, you know he’s the kind of man who would be out there in the chaos, helping to rebuild after the storm, if he could. Bill has dedicated his life to service, as a Navy veteran, a retired St. Louis city firefighter, and a man who never hesitated to show up when others needed him. He’s a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather to four little girls and two boys, and a friend to many. His clients, neighbors, and everyone around him know him as reliable, generous, and kind.

We are asking for help to raise $200,000 to support Bill’s long-term recovery and adjustment to a new way of living. These funds will help cover:

Medical bills and ongoing treatment

A prosthetic leg and rehabilitation services

Loss of income

Modifications to make his home accessible

Transportation and daily living support

And now he needs help rebuilding his home (underinsured)

We know that this goal is ambitious, but so is our belief in the generosity of the people who love and support Bill. Every donation, share, and kind word makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, we simply ask that you keep Bill in your thoughts and help us spread the word.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

—Will and the Atkins Family