Help Jill and Steph Recover

My name is Lara Newsom. I am Jill Hebert’s Sister-In-Law, married to her brother Scott Faine.

On December 6th at about 4:00pm, Jill and Steph were headed northbound on Hwy 1 out of Washington Iowa on their way to Iowa City. A drunk driver was headed westbound on 190th street and blew through the stop sign hitting Jill’s car directly on the passenger side door at approximately 65 mph. Jill’s car was thrown over 150ft into a cornfield and rolled four times. They landed upside down and were unconscious for 30-40 minutes in 18 degree F temperatures before first responders arrived and were able to begin mechanically extracting them from their vehicle.

The first emergency units to respond immediately called the Iowa State Patrol Fatality Unit because they did not see any way that anyone had survived the accident. Jill was airlifted to the University of Iowa Hospitals while Steph was taken by ambulance.

While they both survived, they both suffered extensive injuries including broken bones and organ damage. Steph sustained significant dental damage, likely from being hit in the face by items loose in the cabin as they hurtled across the cornfield. They have been released from the hospital but their recoveries are only just beginning. The pain they are experiencing is excruciating.

Jill does have short and long term disability but as many of you will know, neither will cover 100% of the wages she will lose as she recovers. Jill is a single mother and Steph is her only child. They are a good team but their financial existence depends on Jill being able to work full time. With the potential of Jill being out of work for an unknown amount of time, we are hoping to be able to raise enough money to help them through this crisis without worrying about how the bills will be paid.

All funds raised through this fundraiser will go directly to Jill and Steph to be used to help them fill the financial gap from Jill being unable to work until her body has healed. If you are unable to contribute financially, you can help by sharing this fundraiser.

We are also asking that everyone watch their friends and family this holiday season and make sure no one is getting behind the wheel intoxicated.