Support Francine's Recovery and Family

Hi everyone! My name is Janel and my best friend was in an accident recently that has resulted in medical bills and a major loss of income for her family while she heals. She hates asking for help, so I stepped in and have been helping her at home with cleaning and chores she can’t do. Now I’m asking for some financial help to cover some bills that her family is struggling with since she can’t work for 3-4 months. Below is a letter explaining the details from Frankie…

As many of you know, I am an Autism Mom. I am so proud of my son and all of his accomplishments. He has really come a long way and recently got his driver’s license. He is always there to help with my projects. On May 15, 2024, we used my 2010 Ford F150 to get a load of dirt from the local quarry for my raised garden beds. When we got home, I got out to direct him where to back up the truck so we could unload the dirt. I was about 10 feet behind it on the driver’s side using my voice and hand signals. He was doing great, but neither of us realized when the truck stopped moving that the driver’s side rear wheel had gotten stuck in a shallow rut hidden in the grass. I motioned him to give it more gas and he put a little more pressure on the accelerator pedal. All would have been well if only I hadn’t been standing directly behind the truck when the rpms revved up and the truck then surged backwards. I didn’t have enough time to react other than to put my arms up in a blocking position. The truck was at a small angle to me and the rear bumper hit the outside of my left leg first and then my right leg just under the knee. I was pushed back about another 6-10 feet and pushed into our chain link fence, which cushioned me and prevented me from further harm. My son was horrified and immediately pulled forward just like I told him to. I collapsed to the ground pulling my cell phone out of my pocket to dial 911. My son quickly got our next door neighbor to come over, and then flagged down the emergency vehicles.

I was at fault for standing in the wrong spot while directing my son. The sheriff’s deputy agreed he didn’t do anything wrong and no charges were filed. It was a complete and total accident. I was transported by ambulance to Providence Hospital ER in Everett with possible crush injuries to both legs. After several X-rays, a couple of CT scans and an MRI, it was determined that I broke the fibula on the left leg and sprained all the ligaments in the left leg, and I broke the tibia plateau on the right leg. I am off work, wheelchair bound, and wearing two leg braces until at least August 15, 2024. I am not allowed to put any weight on the right leg and put minimum weight on the left leg only to transfer from the wheelchair to bed, to couch, etc.

We are lucky that my husband’s main job can be worked from home so we still have some income coming in. He has had to stop working his second job to take care of me at home while I recover. He is also taking me to all my doctor’s visits. Yes, like everyone else in America, we are struggling to make ends meet so he works two jobs and so do I. I can’t work either of my jobs until I am fully recovered. That has made paying bills and buying groceries that much more difficult. I hate asking for help…so when I do please know the need is genuine and serious.

My estimated hospital stay is close to $70k. With the home nurse, OT, PT, various doctors, and eventual Outpatient PT, plus unpaid time off of work; the cost is more than likely going to exceed $100k. While insurance is helping with some of the medical costs, we need help paying regular bills and out-of-pocket medical costs. I know times are hard for everyone. If you are able to help with even a small donation, we would be most humbly grateful. With heartfelt Thanks, Francine Hatley & family