Hi Friends - I am Daniel Wheeler’s stepfather, Jim Klem. We are raising money for my son and his family after he suffered a devastating accident. All funds raised will go toward supporting his wife and 13-year-old daughter and to help with the mountain of medical bills that are starting to come in.

On October 23rd, Daniel was driving his motorcycle and was hit by a car speeding through a red light. Daniel, who was wearing his helmet, was sent flying 70 feet into the side of a semi-truck. Medical teams worked to resuscitate Daniel in the street as well as performing emergency surgery at St. Alexis before being flown to Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.

Daniel suffered multiple broken bones, broken ribs that pierced his lungs and spleen, three cracked vertebrae, (apparently minor) brain trauma, and severe bruising everywhere. His left knee and right foot were pretty mangled. His lungs were badly damaged; this is creating issues with needed surgeries as he cannot lie flat for some procedures. His lungs have been slow to heal. Daniel remains unconscious, except for fleeting moments of (mostly involuntary) movement. We are all hoping he wakes up soon and is still “Danny”.

Daniel has made progress over the last 30 days but remains in the trauma ICU. Soon, we hope, he will be transferred to a regular room, and eventually to a rehab facility. His road is going to be long and will be filled with pain as he heals. Our family and many friends have been so supportive - we are all extremely grateful for all the love and kindness!

Please donate if you can. Although his employer is being very supportive, his wife, Irma, is losing time from work. She and her daughter need help to compensate for their monetary loss.

Any amount is appreciated, as are your thoughts, prayers, and love.