Help Jim Waldron keep his medical insurance

My brother Jim Waldron was in a horrific motorcycle accident the morning of Thursday, June 1, 2023. The day started clear and sunny, and it was already starting to heat up as he rode to his job as a NASCAR tire builder at Goodyear Rubber and Tire Company in Akron. He was less than a half-mile from arriving to work safely when a driver crossed in front of him, causing him to collide into the other vehicle and throw him from the bike. He was wearing his helmet and protective clothing. The other driver stayed on scene and was cited.

It’s a miracle that Jim survived, but the accident has left him in much pain with serious injuries – compound fractures to both wrists, shattered femur, humerus, scapula, and vertebrae, along with deep lacerations and a couple of small brain bleeds.

His first surgery was to clean the most serious wound and to stabilize the leg as his femur broke through the skin. His second surgery was to set the leg along with one of his wrists and arm. Today's surgery went as well as could be expected, and he had a big smile when he returned to his room when he saw his daughter Kari and partner of many years Terrace.

Jim has a long journey ahead with multiple surgeries and rehabilitation. I’m asking for prayers first because the power of prayer is mighty and awesome. I’m also asking for support to ease his financial burden as he recovers.

Close family and friends know that Jim is the primary wage earner in his household. He and Terrace have been together for years, and she has been unable to work full-time because she is primary caregiver to her son Mark, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in 2007 when he was 18 months old.

As part of Mark's cancer treatment, he had a bone marrow transplant, and his sister Brittani was his donor. Shortly after the bone marrow transplant, Mark started having breathing issues and was diagnosed with obliterative bronchiolitis – a result of the cancer treatment. Mark needed a double lung transplant. In June 2019, Mark finally received the gift of life. He has battled infections and continues to improve with support from his family.

I was fortunate to recently spend time with Terrace and Jim, who traveled to Georgia for my son Cory’s (Jim’s godson’s) wedding on May 13. Jim and Terrace are the kind who always step up to help others, whether it’s to decorate cut-out cookies the night before the wedding or to pick up the cream and sugar that I forgot for the coffee station. Jim’s also the one who bought my son a car, painted it with racing stripes, and drove it from Ohio to Michigan for his high school graduation. He’s just that guy.

He always has a smile on his face, and you can count on him to brighten up a room when he walks in. He’s a big, cuddly teddy bear with a quick-wit and a wicked sense of humor.

My three brothers and I grew up with a dad who loved cars, trains, planes, motorcycles, and anything that had a motor. I remember how we all had to wait as my dad took each one of us for our turn for a ride on the back of his Honda. I’m sure my mom hated it – but we loved the special time with Dad.

Jim was like my dad and loved to ride, and he was great at working on cars so it’s no surprise he landed a job building NASCAR tires at Goodyear. He was good with his hands, and it was his passion. Thanks to his job, he and Terrace had tickets to NASCAR in Darlington, SC, the day after my son’s wedding. After the race, they headed back to Atlanta to spend some family time with me. I cherish that time even more now and smile to think he was happier helping Bob to put brakes on the Toyota than he was going to the botanical gardens with me and Terrace! Jim is caring, supportive, and always willing to help anyone.

The road to recovery will be long and arduous, and I have no doubt that Jim and Terrace will face each challenge with the “get it done” attitude. Terrace has been an advocate for Mark for nearly 15 years, and now she is there for Jim. His three kids – JJ, Jillian, and Kari – all have experience in the medical field, and they are supporting their dad in his recovery as well.

There has been an outpouring of love and support across the miles from family, friends, and co-workers who have asked how they can help. If you would like to support Jim, we have created this Go Fund Me page, and I will continue to provide updates on his condition.

The funds raised will go toward rent and household expenses, helping to ease the burden that the family has while Jim is unable to work and Terrace once again takes on a new caregiver role.

We are happy to be surrounded by so much love and support at this time, and we thank you all in advance for helping Jim and Terrace to overcome this life-altering event. From the bottom of our hearts, we humbly ask for your prayers and if possible, financial support (any amount will help) and please share this link with friends and family. Thank you!

Gracious Father,

All health and healing are gifts from your hand. We pray for Jim, give his doctors and nurses the wisdom and skill as they work for his healing. While they wait and face many unknowns, calm all doubts and fears with the Word of your promise that nothing can separate us from your love, that is ours in Christ Jesus.

Speed his healing if it is your will and give him an extra measure of patience as he waits for you to work all these things for his good through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.