The Unthinkable. Twice.

Four years after losing her brother to a hit-and-run driver, Gretchen (Krueger) Mitchell was struck by a car as a pedestrian in downtown Wichita. Today, she is fighting through devastating injuries.

Gretchen is a true superwoman to her family, friends, and colleagues. She has touched countless lives with her tenacity, collaborative spirit, unmistakable charm, and fearlessness. Her talents seem endless, but even greater is the reach of her heart and the love she so freely gives to others. You may know her through one of the many organizations and causes that she has devoted her time, talents, and unwavering support to: Bishop Carroll teaching English, TallGrass Film Festival, mama.film, Harvester Arts, and more.

Gretchen has already defied the odds following a life-shattering accident on the night of August 15, 2026, but an extraordinarily long and difficult road to recovery still lies ahead. Her doctors estimate it may be 9 to 12 months before she regains meaningful strength and mobility. For the coming months, she will rely on a wheelchair, endure an extended period in a neck brace, and face intensive rehabilitation as she learns to navigate life with multiple plates and screws now supporting her body.

If her friendship, bright optimism, or generosity has touched your life- or if her story has touched your heart - we humbly ask you to consider making a donation. No gift is too small. Every contribution will help give her the time, care, and resources she needs to concentrate on what matters most: healing, rebuilding, and finding her way forward.

Gretchen's family has been working hard to make her home accessible for her the past two weeks. Immediate funds received will be used to pay for a wheel chair ramp ($1,800 set up + monthly rental fees) and a hospital bed for her residence. More expenses are coming in the following weeks.

If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing her story with your contacts is an equally meaningful way to surround her and her family with support. Please share her story on Facebook, Linkedin and other platforms.

She has given so much of herself to so many with no expectations in return. Now, together, we have an opportunity to give some of that love back to her.

Thank you in advance,

Gretchen’s Family

Gretchen Mitchell accident reporting: https://www.kwch.com/2026/08/16/2-pedestrians-critically-injured-downtown-wichita-crash/