On a sunny Sunday morning, Lexi and her dad were driving to orchestra practice when a vehicle crossed the center line and hit them head-on. As Lexi was taken by helicopter to the hospital, her father was transported by ambulance to a nearby facility. Jared was later taken to the same hospital as his daughter, and both received emergency surgery that night.

Erika James is my coworker and my friend. If you know her, she is very hardworking and kind. To receive a call that your daughter and husband have been in a terrible accident is devastating in and of itself, but Erika also has three children at home. Her days are spent with her eldest and husband at the hospital as she is coordinating life for the younger kids. That makes me tired just thinking about it.

Admittedly, I am not anyone who would think to ask for assistance for myself or a friend, but when I thought about the days and months ahead for the James family, I had to try to help in some way. Many have also asked how they can help. When I asked Erika if she would welcome this, she said, "Well, I don't really like asking for money, but I can see having some issues."

If a monetary show of support is not doable, please send your prayers to the James family as the injuries are extensive and the road to recovery will be long.

Please reach out if you have any questions about how this effort can help the family.