My name is Stephanie and I am fundraising for my best friend’s father. James Gerard, 50, is a dedicated husband, father, and son, with 3 children from rural Illinois. In September of 2020 James was in a semi accident that would alter his life forever. He was taken to OSF Saint Medical Center Emergency Department to be treated for his injuries. James was immediately transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center for a higher level of care and was under the care of the trauma team there. After several days spent in the hospital, he was able to return home to be with his family. At home James knew the road to recovery would be difficult, but thought he would be near full functionality again within a few months.

Unfortunately, James sustained many more complex injuries than initially suspected that will forever change his livelihood. These injuries include brain bleeds, broken ribs, facial fractures, burns, and more. Because of the severity of these injuries James has not been able to return to work. His day to day routine has been changed dramatically forever with near constant trips to the doctors, specialists, and therapy appointments. His medical bills keep accumulating with no end in sight and the financial burden has become overwhelming.

James has exhausted all of his savings as well as cashed out his retirement. His wife is working a full time position, as well as overtime, to try to remain current with the regular monthly bills, but it's still not enough. My best friend, as well as her brother are assisting as much as they can, but have their own bills to worry about as well. It is a weight pulling on the entire family.

In addition to the financial strain it has also been heartbreaking for his wife and daughter, my best friend, to see the change that has occurred in him following this accident. The man that they knew before only appears in glimpses, a shadow of his former self. The mental and physical deficits that he has incurred are seen in simple moments at home everyday. Watching him struggle and not be able to fix the problem hurts them more than they care to admit.

James is still unable to return to work and help support his family. In the meantime, his medical bills keep piling up higher and higher. On top of that, regular monthly bills such as utilities, mortgage, and groceries have become harder to pay. A number of unexpected emergent bills have tightened the belt even more. The financial strain on the family is ever growing, with no end in sight.

Nobody could have ever foreseen the events that occurred that fateful September morning that had started like any other. In the blink of an eye, not only was a man’s life forever changed, but his entire family’s lives as well. The Gerard family is in dire straits to help with bills and mortgage payments so they can keep their home. Any contribution, big or small, would be incredibly generous, appreciated, and would give hope to this family in this dark time.