Help Natalie Rebuild After Car Accident

It feels so strange to be writing this. Strange to need, and strange to share such a vulnerable experience. Life can feel so smooth one day and totally knotted up the next.

My name is Natalie, mom to an amazing 17-year-old daughter and a rowdy 5-year-old cattle dog. I’m an energy worker-creative who sells my prints, crystals, and services online and at markets/fairs. When the season is slow, as it often is this time of year, I’ve started to DoorDash to supplement. We live a cozy and simple life in Tacoma, WA.

On 3/7, I was DoorDashing when my car was rear-ended. I was at a total stop in traffic and could see the Jeep behind me fast approaching. As I feared the driver wasn’t braking, I honked and braced myself for impact. I tried my best to turn my car to the side to avoid hitting the car in front of me, a lucky last-minute move. But unfortunately, I was slammed into and my car was totaled.

The impact pushed my body forward, jamming my left knee into the console under the wheel, straining my left bicep and rotator cuff, and causing severe whiplash that has left me with nausea, dizziness, pain, and immobility. I had my market vending accoutrements in the trunk—2 foldable tables, 2 grids for my prints, and other display items that shattered with the force. My market tables bent and wedged.

My car was deemed a total loss and while I am legally represented and seeking a settlement for medical treatment, I will not be receiving financial compensation for missed work anytime soon and bill due dates are fast approaching. Being self-employed can have its downfalls, that's for sure.

My nausea and pain make driving and setting up for markets so difficult that I haven’t been able to work much since. Any donation you can spare will immediately go to rent, groceries, utilities, and helping secure a replacement car. I feel so guilty asking for help, but as my friends have reminded me, community is vast and available. I truly appreciate your mutual aid and generosity, more than you can ever know.