Support Chelssie's Recovery from Traumatic Accident

Accident Summary – May 2025

On the evening of Friday, May 23, 2025, I was spending time with my family along the Boise Greenbelt. We were riding electric scooters and OneWheels, enjoying a beautiful evening together. Along with my husband, stepson, and his friend, we stopped at the “Green Acres” food truck area to grab a bite to eat. It was crowded, so my husband and I decided to keep riding to look for food elsewhere on the path.

That’s the last thing I remember.

Just minutes later, everything changed. My husband had been casually filming us for fun and ended up capturing the most terrifying moment of our lives. I lost control of my scooter as it veered off the concrete path and crashed. I hit the ground hard—my head and body slammed down—and I was knocked unconscious on impact.

You can see the actual accident happen here: (https://vimeo.com/1106331179)

My husband stayed calm and by my side, doing everything he could to keep me stable until paramedics arrived. I later learned I was disoriented and combative due to the trauma. I had bitten through the inside of my cheek, had blood coming from my mouth, and was in a great deal of pain.

**This video was taken in the ER shortly after I arrived:(https://vimeo.com/1106330903)

I was rushed to St. Alphonsus Hospital and admitted to the trauma unit. I have no memory of being in the ER. I was monitored for over 10 hours for signs of a brain bleed, swelling, brusied muscle and areas on body that rashes and trauma before being released around 3 a.m.

I didn’t become fully aware until Monday morning, waking up in bed—aching, sore, and deeply confused. I still ask my husband what happened and how it all unfolded, because I genuinely don’t remember. Seeing the videos and photos from that night is surreal. My husband said I was so disoriented, I kept asking if we were on vacation. The memory gaps are painful and hard to accept. I wanted to wake up from all this pain.

Reading through my ER and doctor notes helped fill in some blanks. I had resisted IVs, fought against having my clothes cut off, and was loud and combative. I was clearly in distress and slipping in and out of consciousness. It’s terrifying to realize how much of that night is simply gone or that entire weekend.

Now, more than a month later, I’m still recovering. I truly believed I’d bounce back quickly—but I was wrong. My doctors and therapists have made it clear that this healing process will take time. I’ve been referred for ongoing treatment every few weeks to help my brain and body recover. I’m seeing a physical therapist who specializes in head injuries, a chiropractor, and a cranial specialist who uses cranial release and red light therapy to relieve skull pressure. My progress is steady, but slow. A concussion isn’t just a bump on the head—it disrupts your whole life.

I struggle with forgetfulness, slower processing, and intense sensitivity to noise or overstimulation. Even basic conversations can overwhelm me now. It’s humbling, frustrating, and emotionally exhausting. These therapies are the only thing keeping me functioning—but unfortunately, they’re expensive.

Medical bills are starting to pile up, and the financial pressure is stressful. I’m facing several more weeks—possibly months—of care ahead. I’m doing my best to stay strong and hopeful, and I’m incredibly thankful to be here when I think about how much worse it could have been.

Some days, I feel like I’ve lost a year of my life. I wasn’t wearing a helmet that day—and I would give anything to go back and change that. A helmet could have made all the difference.

Right now, continued therapy and care are but I can’t do it alone. If you know me, you know how difficult it is for me to ask for help. I’m usually the one showing up for others. But in this season, I truly need support and prayers.

If you know me, you know I don’t like asking for help. I’m the one who usually gives to others, always showing up when someone else needs support. But right now, with mounting medical bills and ongoing appointments, I could truly use a little help to relieve the stress. Anything helps—and just knowing people care means the world to me.

If you feel more comfortable donating via Venmo, you can also do so:

@chelssie_oates