Our dream trip resulted in a Life Flight

Hi, my name is Pasty Jud. I have know the Hilliards for 18 years.

On September 30th in Montana, the Hilliards were t-boned by another SUV traveling 60mph. This ended the bucket list vacation they were on for Ken's mom to see our National Parks. This horrendous accident injured Ken, Marjorie and his mom, Barbara. Sadly, Barbara’s dog was killed in the accident. All three were rushed to Kalispell Regional Med Ctr, but only Ken and Barbara were admitted. Marjorie’s injuries were so severe she was life-flighted to Harborview Med Ctr in Seattle while in critical condition.

While Barbara has returned to her home to complete her recovery, Ken remains at Marjories's side. They have been married for 41 years. Ken and Marjorie rely on each other for support. Now, I am reaching out to you. Please help this kind and independent couple. They have accrued significant non-medical costs while Marjorie remains in inpatient rehab, recovering from two trauma surgeries.

Marjorie was diagnosed with 6 fractures to her pelvis with 2 having significant displacement, a fractured sacrum,a severely fractured left wrist, an abdominal puncture, a torn abdominal muscle, a subdural hematoma and a cut on her forehead requiring 8 stitches. The surgeons in Kallispell realized her pelvic fractures were too complex, listed her as critical and sent her to Harborview Med Ctr, the Level 1 Trauma Center in Seatlle. Their orthopedic trauma team operated on her for 5 hours to stabilize her pelvis and sacrum with 4 long screws. Then a different team operated on her wrist inserting 2 plates and two long pins. Additionally, she was bleeding internally, needing a blood transfusion after her second surgery. On Oct 8 Marjorie was transferred to Judson Park Health Center south of Seattle. It wasn’t until Nov 19th that she was finally able to put weight on one of her legs.

While the medical costs are being addressed by the insurance companies, the Hilliards have incurred huge financial expenses for lodging, car rental, food, clothing, and airfare. They are still in Seattle and the costs are building. Additionally, the Hilliards had just purchased their Kia Telluride 7 weeks before the accident, unfortunately insurance will come short of the cost to replace their car.

Ken was admitted for 4 days, had laser eye surgery the next week and recovered from a fractured sternum and back injury over the next few weeks. He was not able to leave Kalispell for a month due to his injuries and supporting his moms recovery and addressing legal issues. Ken's brother, David, immediatly flew from Florida and stay with Ken for 4 weeks to support Ken's and their moms recovery. He incurred significant expenses on their behalf.

Because of the helplessness Ken felt by not being with Marjorie during her surgeries and his love and sense of commitment, Ken just will not leave her side in Seattle until she can travel home safely to complete her recovery as an outpatient.

September 30, 2021 Kalispell, Montana.

Marjorie sustained a mild traumatic brain injury in the accident as well as impact trauma to her right temple requiring 8 stitches.

Marjories' pelvis was crushed and required 4 screws to hold it together. She was not able to put any weight on either of her legs for over 6 weeks. Mid November, the orthopedic surgeon felt it was safe for Marjorie to put weight on her right leg only. She is still only able to put weight on her right leg but hopes to get clearance to start using her left leg soon. All this has been complicated by Marjorie's left wrist which was also crushed in the accident.

It took an additional surgery to repair Marjorie's left wrist. Currently she has a metal band embedded in her hand and wrist to support the crushing injuries as they heal. Two metal pins and a claw type pin is also embedded in the wrist for additional support. Surgery to remove the hardware will be sometime in January or February 2022. Once surgery is performed Marjorie will continue Occupational Therapy to resume use of her hand.

Picture of metal devices in left wrist.

Life can change in an instant. Ken and Marjorie have faced this with love, kindness, strength and caring for each other. They are quick to appreciate their healthcare team and all who have helped them thus far. Will you also help?

On their behalf, I know each donation, at any amount, will be received with gratitude. Your caring energy and donation mean a lot.

Always,

Patsy Jud