This fundraiser is to help Mary and her family as they help Kirk recover from being hit by a car. Here is what Mary had to say about what happened to her 17-year-old son, Kirk.

On November 11th, around 11:30 AM, in Olympia, WA, my 17-year-old son Kirk was struck by a car while heading to the gym after visiting me at work. The impact threw him up and over the hood, into the windshield, and then down under the bumper. He was unconscious at the scene.

Paramedics rushed him to St. Pete’s Hospital, where we learned the extent of his injuries:

A concussion and a small brain bleed

Three fractures in his left leg

Severe whiplash

Significant swelling and bruising across his body

A deep head wound that required 15 staples

Kirk underwent multiple CT scans and an MRI. Because of the brain bleed, he was placed on anti-seizure medication to prepare for sedation during his leg procedure. After nearly five hours, surgery was successful, and a metal rod was placed from above his knee down to his ankle. At the same time, staff worked to manage the pain from his head and neck trauma.

Shortly after surgery, we learned that the accident had also affected Kirk’s bladder function, requiring a catheter for several days. He remained in the hospital for a little over a week before being unexpectedly discharged late at night—while the hospital pharmacy was closed with all of his prescriptions. Thankfully, the pharmacy where I work stayed open so I could get his medications.

Getting him home was its own challenge. We live on the third floor, and at 6’3” and 310 pounds—and unable to bear weight on his leg—it was impossible for me to get him upstairs. He didn’t qualify for an in-home nurse due to his age, and all rehabilitation facilities were full. An ambulance had to transport him home and help carry him up the stairs.

Caring for Kirk has been incredibly difficult while also raising my two other children and trying to keep working. I can only manage a few hours in the morning and then a few more in the evening so my other son can take breaks from helping care for his brother.

We had another setback when Kirk developed an infection from the catheter, requiring another ambulance trip, IV antibiotics, and a saline bladder flush. Thankfully, that treatment worked and he no longer needs the catheter.

Starting December 11th, Kirk begins a long series of follow-up appointments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation. I am also very worried about the emotional toll this setback has taken on him. For the past six months, Kirk has worked incredibly hard—losing 100 pounds and focusing on improving his health—only to have everything disrupted in an instant.

Insurance is not covering everything. I have already had to pay out-of-pocket for several prescriptions and will have continuing expenses for over-the-counter medications, medical supplies, transportation, and continued care. The driver who hit him only had minimum liability coverage, which was exhausted within the first few days.

As a single mom with one income, I’m doing everything I can, but I can’t work full-time while caring for Kirk. I’m not sure how we will cover the bills in the coming weeks.

Any help—meals, financial support, shares, or prayers—means more than I can express. Thank you for supporting Kirk and our family as he works toward healing and recovery.