On December 30, 2025, Katie was involved in a life-changing accident. While driving home from work—a route she’s taken thousands of times—Katie was caught in a devastating collision. The other driver was traveling in the wrong lane, and despite both trying to swerve, there was nowhere to go. The impact was so severe that the engine was pushed into the passenger seat, and the front end of her car was completely destroyed. I am forever grateful to her Toyota Camry for saving her life, but Katie sustained a life-changing spinal injury as a result of the crash. She now faces surgery, extensive physical therapy, and the reality of permanent damage.

Katie and her fiancé have become very close to my heart in the time I've known them. This year has already been incredibly hard for them. Earlier this year, her fiancé lost their car on the same road, leaving them without transportation. Now, with the trauma center an hour away from their home and pets that need care, getting back and forth is a daily challenge. Gas is expensive, and hiring an Uber is even more so. Even with insurance, the cost of care is overwhelming—far more than they can afford. Katie’s fiancé is disabled, making Katie the main income earner for their household.

This fundraiser is to help Katie and her fiancé cover the mounting bills, transportation and car rental, living necessities, and the healthcare costs that will arise from her injuries. Your support will help them travel to and from the trauma center, manage daily living needs, and soften the astronomical medical expenses that are beyond their insurance coverage. Katie and her fiancé are two of the kindest people I know. They have been through so much, especially this year, and they didn’t deserve this. Anything you can do to help them and give Katie the time, space, and resources to heal would mean the world. Any support will help give them more time to recover and get their life back in order.