Help Support Justin’s Recovery After a Traumatic Accident while on vacation.

My name is Steve Gill, and I am a friend and brother Teamster of Justin. I’ve set up this fundraiser on behalf of Justin and his wife, Karie, so that our community can rally around them in their time of need. Every dollar raised goes directly to Justin and his family.

What Happened

On Saturday, August 30th, while enjoying life in Pigeon Forge, TN, Justin experienced a sudden medical emergency while horseback riding. He fell from his horse, went into convulsions, and stopped breathing.

His wife, Karie, performed CPR until firefighters and medics arrived, and by God’s grace, he began breathing again.

Because they were deep in the woods, Justin had to be transported by ATV and ambulance, then airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center – Knoxville. Doctors found:

Three fractures in his lower back

Bleeding around his mid spine

Concerns requiring an MRI and EEG to check for brain trauma

Current Condition

After four days in the hospital, Justin was discharged, and the family is finally home in Ohio. But the journey is just beginning.

Justin has been preliminarily diagnosed with an AVM (arteriovenous malformation), a dangerous abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain. In his case, it triggered life-threatening complications. Doctors told him he is lucky to be alive.

Because of the head injury, seizures, and broken vertebrae, Justin cannot drive for at least six months.

Why This Matters

Justin is a proud Class A CDL Teamster who drives a water truck for a living. Driving is not only his job but his passion. Losing that ability has left his family facing enormous challenges.

Financial Strain

On top of the emotional and physical toll, Justin and Karie are navigating mounting medical expenses, including:

Life flight transport and trauma care

Out-of-network hospitalization costs

Specialist care with neurologists and neurosurgeons at UPMC Pittsburgh

Ongoing imaging, testing, and rehabilitation

Donations will be used to cover Justin’s medical bills and household expenses during this time.

How You Can Help

Your support will help relieve immediate financial stress so Justin and Karie can focus on his recovery.

Please consider donating, sharing this fundraiser, and keeping Justin and his family in your prayers.

A note about the amount of money I set for the goal, these humble folks would never ask for money. Their expenses and loss of wages aren't measurable at this point. Don't let the dollar amounts or goals hinder your kindness. I hope they can raise far more than the goals. Imagine losing your income for 6 months or longer... A few bucks right now and in the near future will mean a lot, Steve!

Life can change in an instant. Justin’s strength, Karie’s courage, and the love of this community will carry them through — but they cannot do it alone.

From the bottom of their hearts, and mine, thank you for surrounding Justin and Karie with your care, compassion, and generosity.