Gail passed away Friday night after surgery. My heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who has offered their support and help. It is greatly appreciated. The world has lost a true shining light and I have been so blessed to have had him in my life for the past 18 years. It has been so gratifying to hear from so many people he touched. Gail was such a people person and never met a stranger

My name is Rena, and my husband is Gail. We have a small business at the red light in downtown Talihina, Oklahoma. My husband Gail was severely burned in an accident at our small business workshop. It is very difficult for us to ask for help, but right now we truly need the support of our community.

Thursday, December 5th, while staining cabinet parts in our workshop at home, fumes built up and ignited near a propane heater. The explosion engulfed Gail in flames. He managed to reach our home for help, but his clothes were gone except for a small piece of his collar that was still burning. I poured water on him and did everything I could until professional help could be reached. I had to load him and take him to meet an ambulance. We live so far out that they would not have found us. While they were preparing him for transport, a good friend arrived, and she drove me behind the ambulance to where we are now in the Hillcrest Burn Center in Tulsa.

Gail is not out of danger. His kidneys are struggling, and he has severe burns covering 70 to 90 percent of his body. As of writing this Friday night Gail is in surgery and is fighting for his life. The road ahead will be long and uncertain, and the medical costs, time away from work, and strain on our small business are overwhelming.

We are asking for your help to ease this burden and allow Gail to focus on fighting for his life and recovery. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Your kindness will help cover medical expenses, travel to and from the hospital, support our household during this crisis, and keep our business afloat until Gail can return.

We are deeply grateful for your prayers, generosity, and encouragement during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with us.