Shel's Road to Recovery Needs Your Help

Life can change in an instant.

It changed for my beloved husband, Shel Israel, and me on June 28. Shel had gone out for one of his weekly 10-mile hikes, which is how he stays fit at 80. He started crossing the Pinellas Trail. A bus was parked by the curb. Shel pushed the button to signal that a pedestrian would be crossing. But as he stepped off the curb, a car swerved around the bus, ignoring the signal, and struck Shel. He was unconscious for 20 minutes.

Others nearby called for help. The hospital determined that he had seven broken bones, including both legs, his pelvis, and some ribs.

He is in considerable pain and, as a result of the combination of pain, medication, and age, he is somewhat confused. He is also looking at a long road ahead. After nearly a month in the ICU and the trauma ward, he has been moved to a rehab facility. His medical team believes he will need at least six months of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He is also transitioning from being able to hike 10 miles to using a wheelchair and a walker. (He may be able to switch to a cane in six months.) Right now, he is wearing a heavy black brace on his left side. We don't know when it will come off.

It's logical to think that the driver who hit Shel would be liable, but this is Florida. She was uninsured and had no assets, all of which is somehow legal in Florida, but it leaves us in a dicey position.

Even at 80, Shel has continued to be a provider. His ghostwriting supplemented our income to the extent that we were able to make ends meet. Now, he can't work at all, and we are suddenly in a dire situation. We need to cover unexpected medical expenses, rent, ongoing rehab, and groceries for at least six months.

I'm embarrassed to ask, but any help you can spare to support us through this life-altering episode would be deeply and gratefully appreciated.