Help support Zac's recovery due to a hit and run

Dear friends, family, and compassionate individuals,

We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for support in a difficult time. Our beloved Zac was involved in a devastating motorcycle accident when he was struck from behind by a truck, while on his way home from a celebration of life event.

This hit and run incident has left Zac with severe injuries including a fractured skull resulting in a severe traumatic brain injury with hemorrhaging, broken back, a broken jaw, his right clavicle was broken, bruised lungs and his right hip, femur and entire leg was broken in several places, along with his foot. He has had several surgeries on his back, clavicle and leg and unfortunately experienced many complications throughout treatment such as blood clots, pneumonia, fluid buildup in his lungs where tubes were needed to be placed to drain fluid, as well as tubes placed to relief the pressure in his brain.

His brain function and potential deficits from the brain injury were unknown for the first few weeks after the accident. It wasn’t until early September that he was able to orient himself to the correct year, city, or even being in a hospital building. On September 10th he began remembering the events from the previous day. His cognition and memory continue to improve daily! How far he has come is a miracle!

He spent 22 days in ICU trauma unit at Gulf Coast Medical Center followed by 2 weeks at a rehabilitation facility where he received physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Thankfully he is home now and receives in home health care. He is wheelchair bound until he is cleared to begin relearning how to walk, which we hope will be in November, but at this time he requires full assistance in ambulating as well as any basic needs tasks.

On September 26th Zac had to undergo another leg surgery due to a suspected infection in his knee as well as to correct his leg position and straighten out his leg. Due to the results of the cultures taken during that surgery, Zac is now being treated for a bone infection. On October 10th, he had a PICC line placed and is currently receiving 24-hour IV antibiotics for 6-weeks.

While we are hopeful that insurance will cover a significant portion of the hospital costs, we are faced with additional financial burdens that have arisen due to this unfortunate incident. Zac's injuries have left him unable to work, resulting in missed wages and income that he relies upon to support himself and his family.

This GoFundMe campaign has been created to provide Zac with the necessary financial assistance to cover the medical expenses that insurance may not fully address and to help alleviate the financial strain caused by his inability to work. The funds raised will go towards medical bills, rehabilitation, therapy, and other related expenses that will aid in Zac's healing process. Zac is a kind, vibrant, and resilient individual who has always been there for others in their time of need. Now, it is our turn to rally around him and show our support.

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful impact on Zac's journey toward recovery and financial stability. Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your networks. Your support, prayers, and positive thoughts are deeply appreciated during this challenging period. Let's come together to help Zac overcome this adversity and rebuild his life.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

With gratitude,

The family of Zachary Sitzlar