My Story:

My name is Theresa Briggs, and I’m a single mother to a beautiful 10-year-old daughter and I care for house and provide jobs for at risk youth in our community, On the early morning of Sunday, July 27th, 2025, after comforting praying for and dropping off groceries to a friend my life was changed forever.

While driving home at 1:43 a.m. on Dr. MLK Parkway in Salem, Oregon, I never knew my life would shift an all black deep tinted window speeding vehicle going 75 mph veered across the median without headlights on—driven by someone who was intoxicated at the wheel along with intoxicated passengers —traveled head on toward my vehicle and slammed directly into my SUV at full force. The impact was so intense it deployed all my airbags immediately, spun my car out of control and Into oncoming traffic on the other side of the street the result left me injured and traumatized. I was found by a security guard and Good Samaritan holding onto my steering wheel for dear life. This resulted in me being transported by ambulance and the black vehicle sped off on 3 wheels down the highway fleeing the scene.

Instead of staying at the scene, the driver and two passengers drove off down the highway ran from the car and left me there, alone and in pain. Witnesses acted quickly to help me and alerted authorities. Along with Life360 app called an ambulance. Two of the passengers were eventually caught and admitted they were drinking at a bar but the driver—the one responsible—still hasn’t been found.

To make things worse:

• The vehicle that hit me had no insurance

• My 2024 Hyundai Palisade with only 6,000 miles was completely totaled

• I was left with injuries to my neck, chest, back, stomach, arm, legs and fingers

• I am now forced to fight with my own insurance to cover medical, wages and new vehicle expenses

I serve my community daily as the Director of Risen Life Kids Learning Academy at Risen Life Church, where I care for and educate young children 6weeks to 12 years old on a daily basis. But now, I have no car, no way to get to work, and no way to get to my doctor’s appointments. I’m struggling physically, emotionally, and financially—and worst of all, justice feels far away.

I’m asking for your support to help cover:

• Medical expenses for ongoing treatment

• A replacement vehicle and total loss expenses and care for my daughter , my mentee ask risk youth I house, and children of our community

• Legal and recovery-related costs to help fight insurance find the driver and regain my life back

This driver didn’t just hit my car—they disrupted my entire life. I’m trying to remain strong for my daughter, my students, and myself, but I can’t do this alone.

If you feel led, please consider donating—any amount helps. If you can’t give, I’d be so grateful if you’d share this campaign with your friends, family, or on social media.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

With love,

Theresa Briggs