- L
Last night, my sweet 17-year-old nephew, Elyn, was involved in a life threatening freak accident that has rocked us to the core. His mother, my baby sister, Heidi got the call late last night that he was in trouble after Elyn was involved in a devastating accident involving fire. Elyn, who is vibrant, kind, and loves to live life to the fullest, was life flighted to a burn center with burns covering 53% of his body—12% are second degree, and the rest are third degree burns. The severity of his injuries is overwhelming, and doctors have placed him in a medically induced coma and expect to keep in this state for at least 10 days. Elyn is expected to remain in the hospital for at least three months, facing multiple surgeries and procedures on his long road to recovery.
Heidi is a mother of nine children, with six still at home. She lives 3.5 hours from the hospital, making every visit a challenge, especially during the Christmas season when families hope to be together. While Heidi stays by Elyn’s bedside, her husband Mark is holding things together at home, caring for their other children and supporting Heidi from afar. On top of all this, Heidi is in nursing school, working tirelessly to build a better future for her family, but will be taking this semester off simply to be present for her son as he endures this painful path to recovery. Her strength, compassion, and generosity are truly inspiring—she continues to give to others, even as she faces the unimaginable, and a mother’s worst nightmare.
The costs of travel, lodging,medical billes and childcare are overwhelming, and the emotional toll is immense. We are reaching out to ask for help. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser—will make a real difference for Heidi, Elyn, and their family. Your kindness will help Heidi stay close to Elyn during his recovery and provide some relief during this incredibly difficult time. Some of the most beautiful aspects of humanity can often shine through in situations like this where we show up for each other in all the ways we are uniquely capable of showing up. Thank you for keeping them, and our family in your thoughts and prayers, and we are grateful for any help you can offer.
Heidi is a mother of nine children, with six still at home. She lives 3.5 hours from the hospital, making every visit a challenge, especially during the Christmas season when families hope to be together. While Heidi stays by Elyn’s bedside, her husband Mark is holding things together at home, caring for their other children and supporting Heidi from afar. On top of all this, Heidi is in nursing school, working tirelessly to build a better future for her family, but will be taking this semester off simply to be present for her son as he endures this painful path to recovery. Her strength, compassion, and generosity are truly inspiring—she continues to give to others, even as she faces the unimaginable, and a mother’s worst nightmare.
The costs of travel, lodging,medical billes and childcare are overwhelming, and the emotional toll is immense. We are reaching out to ask for help. Any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this fundraiser—will make a real difference for Heidi, Elyn, and their family. Your kindness will help Heidi stay close to Elyn during his recovery and provide some relief during this incredibly difficult time. Some of the most beautiful aspects of humanity can often shine through in situations like this where we show up for each other in all the ways we are uniquely capable of showing up. Thank you for keeping them, and our family in your thoughts and prayers, and we are grateful for any help you can offer.