Support Joel's Car Accident Recovery

Hello, my name is Gillian Grefe-Stokes and like many people I have been dear friends with Joel and his family for years and truly appreciate you reading Joel's story. Upon meeting Joel, it is clear that he comes from a loving family. Immediately after hearing the hard news about Joel's accident, his father, Richard Garcia, flew to his side along with his mother Martha, brother Jesse and wife Rachel. On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, on his way to work his pedicab at Coachella, our friend Joel was in a traumatic accident and he needs our help. His truck flipped, causing him to be flown 50 feet to the ground. He was admitted to Desert Regional Hospital in Palm Springs, with Rachel and his family by his side, and his beloved pedicab community an hour away at Coachella. They're feeling supported and cared for but the road to recovery is a long one.

He's broken many bones on the upper half of his body, including 19 ribs, and is suffering from damage to internal organs. He's been operated on and will continue to need surgeries and physical and occupational therapy as the medical team supports his healing journey. This recovery journey will be especially hard on Joel and Rachel because Joel does not have health insurance. The cost of medical will be entirely on them.

Joel is a leader and a lender. His support and love for his community never waiver. It's time for us all to show up and give what we can and spread the word.

Joel will not be able to travel from California back to Colorado for many weeks and what the return to home will look like has yet to be determined. This accident has put both Joel and Rachel's lives on hold which of course comes with its own financial burdens as they own a home in Denver and are self employed.

Any funds raised will be supporting the cost of medical bills (uninsured), post hospital medical care and equipment, lodging and travel for his partner Rachel, lost wages due (6 months to a year of recovery), and everyday living expenses while Joel heals at home and is unable to work during the recovery period. The donations will reach Joel through his father, Richard Garcia, who will receive the donations directly and will parse out donated funds to cover whatever expenses may happen while Joel recuperates.

It's time for this very special village that Joel and Rachel have built together to come together and help make this easier.