Help Shawn Rebuild His Life After a Devastating Accident

My name is Naomi Bell (Rosenberg), and I am Shawn’s mother. On Tuesday, August 18, our family’s world changed in an instant when Shawn was struck by a car while standing beside his truck.

Shawn was outside his truck loading something into the bed when a driver veered out of her lane and hit him. We still do not know why. The impact caused catastrophic injuries.

Even in the chaos of the moment, Shawn stayed conscious and clear-headed enough to direct the friend who was with him to use his belt as a tourniquet on both legs. According to his doctors, that quick thinking is the reason he survived the blood loss.

Both of Shawn’s legs were crushed so severely that they had to be amputated. He also suffered multiple fractures and will need a metal rod placed in his hip. He has already endured multiple surgeries, with more procedures ahead.

And then comes rehabilitation.

Shawn has a long and difficult road ahead as he heals, learns to navigate life without his legs, and eventually begins the process of being fitted for prosthetics and regaining as much independence as possible.

But his challenges will extend far beyond the hospital.

Before the accident, Shawn worked two jobs and lived in a second-story apartment. He will no longer be able to return to that home and will need ADA-accessible housing. He will be unable to return to his previous work for the foreseeable future and may ultimately need education or job training to begin a new career.

As his mother, it is heartbreaking to think about how much his life changed in just a few seconds. Right now, however, we are trying to look forward. Shawn survived. He is here. And we want to give him every opportunity to rebuild his life.

We are raising funds to help with the many expenses ahead, including rehabilitation and recovery, prosthetics and mobility needs, accessible housing, transportation, loss of income, and eventually education or vocational training.

Jeannie, Shawn's girlfriend, has been by Shawn’s side throughout this ordeal, and our entire family is focused on helping them through the enormous challenges ahead.

We know that Shawn’s recovery will be measured in months and years, not days. We also know we cannot do this alone.

This fundraiser is organized by Shawn’s mother, Naomi, and every dollar raised will go directly toward Shawn’s medical care, recovery, and rebuilding his life.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, sharing Shawn’s story would mean just as much to us.

Thank you for caring about our son and for helping Shawn move toward a future that, although very different from the one he had planned, can still be filled with independence, purpose, and hope.

With love and gratitude,

Naomi and Shawn’s family