Help Will Heal: Medical Recovery

On the evening of February 20th, my father, William Childress JR, suddenly collapsed while walking home from work on the Douglas, Alaska highway (also known as 3rd Street). Unable to move, he laid helplessly in the road, overcome by numbness in his extremities. Sadly, no passing motorists stopped to assist my vulnerable father.

By some miracle, Will's backpack broke his fall and spared him from a potential head injury. Knowing that his only hope for survival was for help to arrive, he managed to free his arm and use his cell phone to call 911. The ambulance rushed him to Bartlett Regional Hospital, where an MRI revealed that he had sustained serious injuries to his neck/back. He was airlifted the following morning to Anchorage Regional Hospital.

Upon meeting with a surgeon, Will was told that he required emergency back surgery to have any chance of walking and standing again. Without hesitation, he chose surgery, and on February 22nd, the doctors successfully fused together his C2, C3, and C4 vertebrae.

Though the surgery went well, Will's journey is far from over. He remains in the hospital, undergoing intensive physical therapy, and he will need ongoing care to fully regain his mobility. The mounting medical bills and his understandable inability to work have placed an immense burden on Will's shoulders. He is facing the impossible task of trying to recover while also fearing for his financial future. We have set up this campaign to help cover his medical expenses and to provide some much-needed support during this difficult time.

If you can find it in your hearts to donate, we would be eternally grateful. No amount is too small. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. Will has always been a fighter and is well-known for his optimism; we believe he can overcome this tragedy and get back on his feet. Thank you for taking the time to read his story and for being a part of his healing journey!