4.5 Million Miles. 45 Years. Now Pops Needs Us.

Monday morning, everything changed for Bill “Pops” Austin and the people who love him.

For 45 years, Pops has made his living behind the wheel of a semi. He has driven well over 4.5 million miles, spending countless hours on the road, working hard and providing for the people he loves.

But Monday morning, during a powerful storm with heavy rain and high winds, Pops’ life was changed in an instant.

His semi went down an embankment and landed on its driver’s side.

By an incredible stroke of luck, an off-duty paramedic witnessed the accident, immediately stopped, and rushed to Pops’ aid. He called for emergency assistance and stayed with him until help arrived. First responders then worked to extricate Pops from the wreckage.

We are so incredibly thankful that someone was there when Pops needed help the most.

Pops was transported to UNMC, where he remains in the ICU fighting his way through some very serious injuries.

He sustained:

* A fractured vertebra in his neck

* Two fractured vertebrae in his back

* A broken wrist

* A fractured pelvis

* A broken knee

* A small brain bleed

And this is only the beginning of what will be a very long road.

Pops has several surgeries ahead of him, followed by what we expect will be a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation. We don’t yet know exactly what the future will look like, but we do know that he has a tremendous fight ahead of him.

Now Pops needs us.

For 45 years, Pops has gotten up, gone to work, climbed into that truck, and put millions of miles behind him to provide a living.

He was the sole income for himself and his girlfriend, PJ.

PJ also has residual effects from a previous stroke, making this sudden loss of income especially difficult for them. While Pops is in the ICU and unable to work, the medical bills are beginning to pile up—and everyday expenses don’t stop simply because life has been turned upside down.

The last thing Pops and PJ should have to worry about right now is how they’re going to pay their bills, afford food, keep the lights on, or cover the expenses that come with Pops’ hospitalization and recovery.

That’s where we are asking for your help.

❤️ How your donations will help

Every dollar raised will go directly to Pops and PJ to help with:

* Medical expenses and hospital-related costs

* Medications and medical equipment

* Transportation to medical appointments

* Household bills

* Food and everyday living expenses

* Expenses associated with Pops’ recovery and rehabilitation

* Other necessities while Pops is unable to work

No donation is too small. Whether it’s $5, $20, $50, or more, every contribution adds up and helps take some of the financial weight off their shoulders.

And if you aren’t able to donate, please share this fundraiser. A share can put this in front of someone who can help.

Most importantly, please keep Pops and PJ in your prayers, thoughts, and hearts. Pray for successful surgeries, healing, strength, and a full recovery.

After 45 years and more than 4.5 million miles, Pops has spent his life working hard, showing up, and taking care of others.

Now it’s our turn to show up for Pops.

Let’s help bring Pops home. ❤️

Thank you for every donation, every share, every prayer, and every message of support. Our family will never forget it.