We are Becky and Tony Mele, and we are asking for help for our precious 18-year-old granddaughter, Gracie DeWeese. Gracie was enjoying the day with friends at a water hole north of Ojai when, while leaving the area, she was struck by an F-250 pickup truck. She was airlifted to Ventura County Medical Center, where she remains under the care of an incredible team of doctors and medical professionals.

Gracie suffered devastating injuries, including two broken femurs, six broken ribs, a shattered pelvis, and severe injuries to her liver, kidneys, and bladder. She also suffered serious injuries to her chin and nose, lost several teeth, and will require plastic surgery. She has already undergone multiple procedures, and there are still additional surgeries and a long, difficult recovery ahead of her.

Our family has already endured heartbreaking loss. Gracie’s mother, our daughter Becky, passed away just a year and a half ago at only 37 years old, leaving Gracie, her brother Nik, and her younger sister Billie Jo. We also lost a son to murder while he was eating dinner at a local restaurant. Since then, we have been doing everything we can to keep our family together and care for these children. Now we are facing another unimaginable challenge as Gracie fights for her health and future.

Donations will help cover Gracie’s extensive medical care, rehabilitation, transportation, plastic surgery, ongoing support during her recovery, and other related expenses we cannot yet fully anticipate. More than anything, we want to help Gracie regain her independence and return to the full life she deserves.

Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean more to our family than we can express. If you are unable to give, please consider sharing Gracie’s story and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. Every prayer, kind word, and share means so much to us. Please help us support Gracie as she continues to fight with everything she has.