Support Dimitri's Long Recovery Journey

On July 8th, around 7:30pm, my life changed in an instant.

I was legally crossing the street at Las Posas and Ventura in Camarillo, California. I had 22 seconds left on the crosswalk signal. Out of nowhere, an SUV hit me, traveling no less than 25 mph. The driver did not slow down until they noticed a sheriff’s vehicle in the opposite lane.

My femur was shattered in three places and my left rotator cuff was torn. My shoulder is what shielded my head from the asphalt. I was taken straight to the hospital for emergency surgery, where doctors inserted titanium rods and plates into my leg. It’s been a blur since then.

As of right now, I can’t walk or stand without the assistance of a walker. I need to be supervised while doing everything such as bathing, getting out of bed, and even going to the bathroom. I’m in excruciating pain every day, and I’ve developed complications including liver problems from all the medications.

The full recovery process is going to take at least a year. I live alone, and I’m unable to work. My independence and sense of daily routine have been put on hold.

I’m also running into issues with my insurance covering the equipment and full support/treatment needed for recovery. It’s unclear how long I’ll be waiting for disability or a legal settlement, if they come at all.

I’m asking for help to afford the basics:

A wheelchair

An adjustable hospital-style bed

A commode

Crutches or a walker

Medical supplies and medications

A part-time caregiver

Physical therapy when I’m stable enough

Before the accident, I was living in Van Nuys but working full time in Carpinteria at a supplement company, which I really loved. I commuted three hours a day and had finally found a rhythm I was proud of. This accident took all of that away in seconds.

If you’re able to give anything, it would mean the world to me. Every bit helps. And even if you can’t donate, just sharing this helps more than you know.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

– Dimitri