Three months ago, a simple act of kindness changed Bill’s life forever.

I met Bill’s story by chance. I was at happy hour when I overheard a man named Rock talking with friends about visiting Bill at Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville. All I caught was that Bill was “fighting to walk again.”

I felt prompted to ask a simple question: “What does he need?”

The answer stopped me.

Bill had just taken his first shower since arriving at the facility. And with his wife, Shari, flying in to visit him for Christmas and New Year’s, what he wanted most was something many of us take for granted—a haircut, so he could feel confident and presentable when she arrived.

I immediately said, “I can make that happen.”

I texted my dear friend Heidi, who for over a decade has served alongside me doing haircuts during homeless outreach. Without hesitation, she said yes. Three nights later, straight from work, we walked into Bill’s room at Brooks Rehabilitation.

That’s when I learned the full story.

What Happened

Bill was at a corner store when he noticed a technician changing a light while standing on a ladder. The floor was slightly wet, and Bill instinctively stepped in to help—holding the ladder steady so the technician wouldn’t fall.

The technician slipped anyway.

His work boot struck Bill in the head. Bill fell backward onto a stack of beer crates.

That single moment left Bill paralyzed.

The Long Road to Care

Bill was first hospitalized in St. Louis, where he remained for five weeks—until insurance coverage ran out. He was then transferred to Illinois using his wife’s insurance, which also eventually ran out.

At the same time, their home was not equipped for a wheelchair or for the level of care Bill required. Friends stepped in to build a ramp, but for weeks Bill and Shari tried to manage on their own—waiting, hoping, praying.

Finally, a call came from workers’ compensation asking Shari if it mattered where Bill received treatment.

Her response was simple and selfless:

“No—just as long as my husband gets the treatment he needs.”

That answer led Bill to Brooks Rehabilitation in Jacksonville, Florida, one of the best facilities in the country for spinal cord injury recovery.

Where He Is Now

That’s where Heidi and I met Bill—exhausted from a full day of physical therapy, yet full of warmth and faith. We watched as nurses carefully lifted him from the bed into his chair. Bill currently has no use of his hands or feet, yet his spirit is remarkably strong.

As Heidi cut his hair and I shaved his beard, stories were shared. Laughter filled the room. For over an hour, the hospital room felt lighter—human again.

Before leaving, I gave Bill a copy of my children’s book, Ruby’s Joyful Journey, personalized to “Bill (aka Superman) & Shari.” The message of kindness felt deeply connected to Bill’s own story. The irony wasn’t lost on us either—the book cover shows Ruby on a plane, much like Bill’s unexpected journey over the past three months that ultimately brought him here.

The book now sits by his bedside. Shari will read it to him over Christmas.

As we prayed together, Bill and I closed with the words, “Let go, let God.”

How You Can Help

While Bill focuses on rehabilitation, the financial strain continues to grow.

This GoFundMe will help cover:

Medical expenses not fully covered by insurance

Travel, lodging, and meals so Shari can be with Bill during this critical season

Ongoing costs associated with long-term recovery and rehabilitation

Being together—especially over the holidays—is more than emotional support. It’s part of healing.

Thank You

Any amount helps. Whether you give, share, or pray, you are becoming part of Bill and Shari’s journey—proof that kindness still matters, and that no act of love is ever wasted.

I would love to surprise Bill and Shari with the funds raised at the end of January, reminding them that even in the hardest seasons, they are not alone.

Thank you for standing with them.