On the morning of Wednesday, October 2, 2024, my cousin Klaw Reh, who was only 17 years old, was walking to school when he was struck and run over by a City of Buffalo garbage truck. The truck was being operated in reverse, the wrong way down a one-way street, and without a spotter. The operator suddenly and unexpectedly backed over Klaw as he was lawfully trying to walk across the street to school. She then pulled forward and ran him over a second time as he was incapacitated on the ground.

As a result of this tragic incident, Klaw suffered life-altering injuries, including a complex crush fracture to his pelvis, fractures to his thoracic spine, iliac artery occlusion, a laceration to his liver, a grade III injury to his right kidney ultimately requiring Klaw's kidney to be removed, amputation of his left leg above his hip due to the severity of the crush injury, and degloving injuries requiring many surgical skin grafting procedures. Klaw is now a paraplegic, paralyzed from the waist down. He has undergone over 20 surgeries. He is still hospitalized at Erie County Medical Center, fighting every day to recover.

Klaw's mother left her job to be by his side, and his father is working tirelessly to support their family of seven. Klaw's four siblings have had to adjust to life without their brother at home and with their mother often at the hospital. Klaw's older brother was forced to withdraw from school to help manage Klaw's care and treatment. The emotional and financial toll on their family has been immense.

We are raising funds to help Klaw's family with living expenses and to help create an ADA compliant home for Klaw to return to when he is physically able. Your support will make a real difference in their lives as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide, even if it is just sharing Klaw's story. This family could use all the help and support they can get, and we truly appreciate any act of kindness you may be willing to offer.