Jamie Smith Medical

My name is Misty Rathel Smith. On the evening of Monday, January 8, 2024, my husband was out at our property cleaning up debris before a storm. He was injured when a container of gasoline, (that should have been diesel), exploded on him catching him on fire and burning him over 70% of his body. By the grace of God, he was able to drive over a mile down the road with 2nd and 3rd degree burns covering his whole body, with nothing but his socks on, to his parents house to call 911.

He was rushed to Southeast Medical Center in Dothan. Due to the storms that night, life flight could not fly. After he was stabilized he was then taken to Doctors Hospital Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia where he is now. He was placed on a ventilator for 6 days. He has since undergone four surgeries and will need several more.

He is a self employed diesel mechanic. His hands and forearms have the most damage and will require the most treatment. He has burns on his face, neck, chest, abdomen, groin, legs, back, and buttocks.

We have no medical insurance. I had been shopping for it but had not found a plan within our budget. The company that I work for offers health insurance but it’s not affordable.

He will be in Augusta for at least 6 weeks in the ICU. The doctors are unsure after that. They are telling us it is just too soon to tell us anything else. His situation changes daily and he is in a lot of pain. I have used up my PTO.   I need to work so I can  pay the bills at home because I am the only one with an income now.

Right now I am trying to come home on Sunday nights and go back on Fridays when I get off. The long drive only leaves me Saturday (12, 4, and 8:30) and one visit with him at 12 on Sunday due to the visitation schedule the hospital has.

I work from home and could work from there but I can’t afford to pay the extra hotel/food expenses on top of the household bills my husband paid. Not to mention the mounting medical bills.

The outpouring of love, prayers, and support we have received since this tragedy has been overwhelming.

We will never be able to thank everyone enough for everything.

I have watched my husband give his time and talents selflessly time and time again helping people that were down and out without even thinking twice and asking for nothing in return. I just pray he will be completely healed so he can continue to do so and do what he loves.

ANY help will be appreciated more than I could ever express and if you are unable to donate I ask for your daily prayers as Jamie has a very long road to recovery!