My 22-year-old son, Leonel Zapata Jr, was recently involved in a devastating accident while driving his semi-truck. While traveling at about 45 mph, his truck overturned on the highway. We are incredibly grateful that he survived, but the crash left him with a lumbar fracture in his lower back.

Leonel is one of the hardest-working young men you could meet. He’s always taken pride in providing for his family and doing whatever it takes to support them. Now, he's facing a long, painful road to recovery, including months of physical therapy — and he won’t be able to work during this time.

To make matters worse, Leonel drives for a small company that classifies its workers as independent contractors (1099). Because of this, he doesn’t qualify for workers’ compensation, and the company’s insurance will not be covering his medical expenses or lost income.

Leonel has a 1-year-old daughter and a loving wife who had been staying home to care for their child. She is now urgently searching for work just to help them stay afloat while Leonel recovers.

We’re asking for help to cover his medical expenses, therapy, and essential living costs during this incredibly difficult chapter. Any amount — even $1 — would be a blessing to our family and would ease the burden on Leonel as he works toward healing.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.