Help Frank Gilbert Continue His Remarkable Recovery

Pre-Accident Life Story:

As a cherished member of the Ohio Valley community, Frank Gilbert is renowned for his kindheartedness, goofy personality, and overwhelming generosity. Growing up as one of six brothers, Frank later started his own family, sharing 30+ years of marriage with his wife Melissa, and raising their three children - Macy, Cole, and Cade. Frank's unparalleled work ethic drove his careers as an technician, painter, and DJ, to ensure a good life for his family. Always willing to assist friends and neighbors, he has earned a reputation as a dependable and caring individual among locals.

Frank embodies resilience through his steadfast commitment to helping others in need. With his ability of instantly becoming friends with anyone upon first meeting them, his warm demeanor has endeared him to the community. His love for the people he meets is unmatched, and will do whatever it takes to bring a smile to everyone's face. Frank is the kind of person who always goes out of his way to make everyone laugh and is the life of the party at any gathering. His compassion, generosity, and hard work is treasured by those fortunate enough to know him.

The Accident:

On August 5th 2023, Frank was involved in a scaffolding accident while painting a house, resulting in a 25-foot fall, causing a Spinal Cord Injury. Additional injuries included a fractured skull and neck (C2/C7/T2), head/neck/shoulder lacerations, cardiac arrest, 5 broken ribs, 4 missing teeth, 2 broken wrists and a collapsed lung — warranting a life-flight from Wheeling to Morgantown, WV.

Frank received surgery on his neck to fuse his C1 through C4 bones to stabilize his C2 and was completely unresponsive during the first 3 days in the hospital - but miraculously opened his eyes on day 4.

Thankfully, we are now setting our sights on recovery and are preparing for what’s to come with Frank’s specified care/needs. Frank has now progressed to a point where he is fully conscious and can speak, no longer has a feeding tube or trach, can move mostly every part of his body (some better than others), and so far is on a great path to recovery. Despite doctors initial claims, Frank has defied so many odds that were thought to be impossible, and he is working daily to continue to push those boundaries.

We are now facing the reality of both the current situation and the unknowns of the future. Our previous GoFundMe and in-person benefit goals were initially focused on aiding the funds for Frank’s life-flight + immediate medical care services. However, in order to continue this progression and to not backtrack the incredible advancements he has already made, he will still need several months (or years) of rehab and therapies in order to keep growing on this path. As insurance will only cover so long in rehabilitation facilities, we are stuck with very few options, such as paying out of pocket for any continued rehab and/or purchasing very expensive exercise equipment made specifically for SCI’s to be able to continue rehab at home. We need to continue to raise funds to ensure that Frank will be covered no matter what the insurance outcome will dictate.

These donations mean the world to us in making his recovery a reality. No family can ever imagine a tragedy like this occurring. However, we are so thankful that there has been enough progress to where his recovery is now an option. Our goal is for Frank to be able to live the rest of his life the way he’s always wanted - full of energy, family, and music. We remain hopeful and are praying for Frank’s steady progression.

We appreciate the overwhelming support of everyone who has already donated and reached out during this difficult time. Frank has touched so many lives, and we want to show him how much his years of kindness and selflessness have impacted us all.

Thank you for all of your overwhelming kindness and support.

Xo, The Entire Gilbert Family

Franks Journey So Far:

Day of Accident | August 5th, 2023:

August 2023:

September 2023:

2023-2024

Costs Post Accident:

Funds Needed for Future Costs:

All-in, we are expecting these approx. costs to continue this journey:

Frank’s Goals for 2025 and Beyond: