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Our names are Daniel and Mary-Agnes Hayden, and we’re asking for your help in supporting our dear friends Joe Wust and Mari Brown. Daniel and Joe have been best friends since childhood. Today, we’re reaching out on their behalf — to ask for prayers, love, and support as they begin a long road to recovery.
Joe's Devastating Car Crash
A catastrophic moment on Sunday, October 12th, shattered the world of Joe Wust and his partner, Mari. While driving home from a wedding in South Bend, Indiana, their vehicle was t-boned by a high-speed semi-truck in a devastating accident. What followed was a fight for Joe’s life and the beginning of a long, painful journey for both of them.
The impact of the accident left all passengers injured, (including two of their children) but Joe suffered the most life-threatening trauma. Joe was resuscitated and immediately airlifted to a South Bend hospital. He was admitted into their ICU, where doctors discovered a shocking list of injuries:
- Two brain bleeds (right and left subdural hematomas)
- A shattered pelvis requiring stabilization surgery
- A Grade 5 lacerated spleen and kidney damage
- Multiple broken ribs and a lower-spine fracture
- A collapsed lung and severe lung bruising which has now led to double-sided pneumonia, causing major breathing difficulty
Joe has already endured multiple complex surgeries, with more reconstructive procedures ahead. His recovery is not a matter of weeks, but months of intensive physical and occupational therapy before he can even attempt to walk again.
Mari's Injuries & Immediate Financial Crisis
Joe's partner, Mari, was also seriously injured, suffering multiple broken ribs, a protruding clavicle fracture, which will also require surgery, and pulmonary contusions. The sudden weight of this trauma has fallen entirely on her—caring for Joe while battling her own painful injuries.
If you know Joe and Mari, you know they are the first to offer help, always giving, always kind, and always caring for others. Now, they are facing an impossible situation: neither can return to work for the foreseeable future, and their financial stability has vanished.
The Urgent Need
The financial burdens are immense and immediate, creating a huge obstacle to Joe's recovery. We are urgently raising $25,000 to cover critical, non-negotiable expenses that insurance will not fully address:
- Hospital Bills, which consist of co-pays, deductibles, medications, and physical/occupational therapy bills are already mounting rapidly.
- Funds to cover basic life necessities, such as rent, utilities, and everyday living expenses while both Joe and Mari recover and are unable to work.
- Even to transport Joe back to the Louisville, KY area is costly and will require additional financial support.
Please Help Them Rebuild, One Step at a Time
Your support is a lifeline. Please consider donating today. No contribution is too small—every prayer, every share, and every dollar makes a difference. Every day Joe remains in the hospital adds thousands of dollars to their debt.
If you cannot donate, please SHARE this campaign on social media, via email, or with any community groups you are a part of.
Use the hashtag: #HelpJoeWust
Let’s give this beautiful couple the chance to focus entirely on their healing and let them know their community in Louisville is here for them. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️
Sincerely,
Daniel & Mary-Agnes Hayden
Organizer and beneficiary
Mari Alice Brown
Beneficiary