Nick was involved in a serious car accident while driving Michele’s car on April 20th. The car was totaled.

He was in the ICU and intubated for two days and was then transferred to the surgery floor for an additional five days. He was released from the hospital April 27, 2026.

Nick was bleeding internally when he was taken to the hospital and he had to have immediate, major surgery. The surgeons found that part of Nick’s colon was sheared off and they had to remove that part (colectomy) and resection his bowel. He also sustained a fractured rib, a head injury, a facial laceration and bruising to his body. He also lost his glasses in the crash.

Nick has a long road to recovery ahead of him and the potential to have long term side effects as a result of this surgery.

Nick had just left his previous job in March and was looking for a new job at the time of the accident. He has no extended healthcare benefits because of that situation. In addition, the transmission in his car broke down in March and he had to scrap that car, which is why he was driving Michele’s car at the time of the crash.

He is going to need long-term support services when at home, which are either not covered or only partially covered by insurance. Michele will be his full-time care giver at home but she will need assistance as well.

Michele was diagnosed with Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in 2023 and she also has Long Covid with associated asthma, diagnosed in 2020. She also has Complex PTSD. She is on nine medications that have varying degrees of side effects and because of that, her strength and energy levels are very low and she becomes short of breath and fatigued after minimal exertion. Nevertheless, she is determined to take care of Nick as he continues to recover and regain his strength but she will need as much support as possible as she is only able to work part-time because of her health and is in the process of applying for long-term disability. She has missed a week of work already.

Due to life circumstances and this accident, Nick and Michele have lost two cars but will only be getting insurance money for Michele’s car, which was the car involved in this accident. Nick will not be able to replace his car as he will not be able to work during his recovery or in the near future.

Nick and Michele need as much support as possible while navigating this situation, as finances were already tight for both of them before this accident. Any money raised will be used to help with the following:

*To replace both cars. Any amount above what insurance covers.

*For any home healthcare Nick requires, not covered by insurance.

*For medications and supplies Nick will require, not covered by insurance.

*Replacement of items lost in the crash.

*Income loss support for Nick.

*Income loss support for Michele.

*Caregiver support for Michele.

*Any adjustments that may be required to make the house accessible for Nick.

*Any other associated and unexpected expenses that may come up.

They do not yet have a clear picture of what being home will be like and what will be needed.

Nick and Michele appreciate any help and support they receive. Any amount helps and they will be eternally grateful to everyone who helps get them through this trying time.

Because GFM takes a portion of money raised, anyone who wants to donate directly to Michele and Nick can do so by e mailing Michele directly and she will provide info for Pay Pal or Z elle. Links not allowed here. mbruns at protonmail.com