Our good family friends, the Wallace family, got into a major car accident on Sunday night, August 20th, and are in need of financial help. The Wallaces' came to Utah two years ago, unhoused, living in their car. As a single mom, Lux (Tamara) has worked hard to get her family into an apartment and find a job to help cover the daily expenses of life but paying for rent/food/gas has still been very difficult. With several serious health crises that have occurred this year alone, the family is behind on most bills. Their car insurance lapsed this month because they prioritized paying rent which has made the accident on Sunday even harder to process.

Driving home from Salt Lake, Lux swerved to avoid a stalled car on the highway, rolling multiple times, crushing them inside and totaling their car. Their 10-week-old puppy escaped the crash and was hit and killed on site. Everyone was able to get out of the car except Nessa, whose hand was pinned under the car. With the help of a few kind strangers who stopped, they were able to lift the car off of her hand. She was rushed to the hospital where she is currently awaiting her third hand surgery. Since Sunday, Nessa's ring finger has been amputated and she is awaiting a skin graft procedure to cover her bare hand this afternoon. It will be a long, painful and expensive recovery.

Friends and family have asked how they can help. We’re hoping to raise funds to buy a replacement car and help pay for the accumulating medical expenses (like occupational therapy for Ness' hand) and other living expenses while both Lux and Mekhi have been unable to work. All donations are greatly needed and appreciated. This car that was once a home cannot be replaced but we are hoping to find an affordable option to get Lux back to work and the family back on their feet as soon as possible.

Thank you.

UPDATE FROM LUX (Tamara):

Nessa had 3rd and hoped final surgery. Needs to be in a specialized facility with nurses for up to 6 weeks once released. They’re hoping to get her moved down into Utah County closer to home for the family and majority of their small support system.

Lux got X-rays and is pursuing physical therapy for her neck and back issues found. She won’t be able to work for 6 weeks as of now.

Mekhi, Lux’s 21 yr old son and Nessa’s brother is also missing work to be in the room with his sister 24/7.

Thank you guys for all your help! I’m so grateful for these donations and it’s insane how much mental stress money relieves. Poverty is emotional abuse in our country. Being able to just pay the tow guy and get my wallet, Nati’s purse, Mekhi’s phone & most of all some really hard closure with our car that was literally our home at one point without the stress of my card being rejected was EVERYTHING in that moment!!!