Help Marie & Daniel in Their Recovery

On the night of November 17, 2023, Marie and Daniel were injured in a horrific accident when a car driving in the opposite direction sped out of control and crashed into them head-on. Thankfully, selfless passersby ran to their aid and removed them from the wreckage. Their car was totaled. Marie and Daniel were both immediately taken to the hospital for their injuries, most of which were internal organ damage.

Daniel was found to have a laceration in his colon, resulting in the surgeons having to place a colostomy bag for him to utilize while his colon heals. He will undergo surgery again in the near future to have this procedure reversed. Until then, Daniel will be relying on the colostomy bag for managing his bodily waste.

While both Marie and Daniel experienced similar injuries, Marie’s case was gravely more severe. Her spleen was ruptured and the majority of her small intestines were damaged beyond repair. As the small intestine is responsible for absorption of nutrients for basic bodily function, the doctors worked tirelessly to reconstruct her digestive tract. Unfortunately, Marie experienced complications from that initial surgery, went septic and was rushed back to the OR for emergent procedures. The surgeons salvaged what they could of Marie’s small intestine, but due to the inflammation, it was decided to close her digestive tract and leave the small intestine detached in order to give it the opportunity to heal properly. The healing process is projected to take 6 months to a year.

During this healing period, Marie will not be able to eat solid food because it would obstruct and distend her stomach. Anything she consumes will be emptied and collected in an ostomy bag outside of her body. Because of this, all of Marie’s essential nutrients will be supplied intravenously through an IV port on her chest daily. The hope is that after the healing period, the doctors will be able to reconnect the small intestine. If that future procedure fails again, the next step is to seek an organ donor. This journey will be difficult and the road ahead still remains uncertain.

Marie is currently still hospitalized and we don't know when she will be well enough to be released. She will require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care to assist in her recovery. The future holds more doctors appointments, surgeries and equipment for medical management.

Both Marie and Daniel have been fighting hard and trying to stay strong throughout this ordeal, hoping to go home to their pets and families, return to work and gain some semblance of normalcy. Nonetheless, their lives have been changed forever.

We can only imagine how hard the next few months (or longer) will be, not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. If you find it in your heart to donate to Marie and Daniel, we are grateful for any support you can provide. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this difficult time.