Support for Katie Bigelow

Katie Rachel Bigelow. Mother. Daughter. Sister. Aunt. Friend. Nurse Practitioner. If you know her, you’ve been lucky enough to experience the compassion, charisma, and selflessness she embodies. If you know her, you love her. She is a born provider in every sense of the word. She gives the best hugs, has the most calming presence, and often knows what you need before you do. If you know her, you are also aware that Katie scores high in the strong-willed department. Tell her she can’t do something and consider it done.

Katie is a hardworking, single mom with two daughters, Lillian (18) and Lauren (12). They attend Pine River Area Schools; Lillian is a high school senior, and Lauren is a 7th-grade middle schooler. No two people in this world mean more to Katie than her daughters. She loves them unconditionally.

On Sunday, March 12, Katie was driving to pick her daughter up from practice when she was involved in a horrific car accident. She was rushed to Grand Rapids, where she immediately underwent surgery to sustain her life. Her injuries are vast including liver damage, scalp laceration, multiple fractures to her ribs, arm, entire left leg, and right hip/pelvis, and the most serious a severe traumatic brain injury. Traumatic. Brain. Injury. Three words you are never prepared to hear in the same sentence as someone you love. Unknowns. Waiting games. Her family sits and takes it day to day, takes comfort in having each other, and prays their strong-willed Katie will prove them wrong yet again.

Katie has no short- or long-term disability benefits during this unthinkable time. Although she would never ask for it, she needs your help. Katie's journey will not be short, and she needs help to support her medical bills and her family. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please keep Katie in your thoughts and prayers.

-Abby (Katie's sister)