Update 8/24/26:

Thank you once again for all of your generous donations. It truly means so much to have such an incredible community surrounding our family. Manuel has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from everyone.

He’ll be getting his cast changed this week, and his staples and stitches will also be removed. His arm is hurting quite a bit still. We are hopeful he will be able to start therapy for his hand/fingers soon. He has a way to go still in his recovery. We’re so grateful to everyone who continues to think of and support him through his recovery. ❤️

Update 8/19/2026:

We are so incredibly grateful for the continued love and support you’ve shown Manuel and our family. Thank you for the meals, gift cards, prayers, kind words, and every thoughtful gesture during this difficult time.

Manuel is getting a little better each day, and knowing he has so many people behind him has helped ease some of the stress and made this journey a little easier for all of us.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. ❤️

Thank you to EXATEC for sharing Manuel's story in Espanol.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcO_e2HJAv7/?igsi=MXJwaHV1b2hwa3Fm

Update 8/18/2026:

We really appreciate the new outlets covering Manuel's story and for the continued support from everyone. Please, if you can continue to share the GFM we would appreciate it.

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/hatchet-attack-hutto-home-depot-john-bauer-arrest?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=6a84d5e85030ad00019609cd&fbclid=IwdGRjcATx605jbGNrBPHrSnBkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEeIIcQB6T58du8LGVJd-6MhRXbHuaDo6qw5quY025qAXOS3nswL3xU_sXt8Fw_aem_MbIEsatwD1HtgqJ_6eYn9Q

Update 8/17/2026:

Thank you KXAN for running Manuel's story.

https://www.kxan.com/top-stories/family-seeks-answers-after-78-year-old-attacked-at-hutto-home-depot/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_KXAN_News&fbclid=IwdGRzaATwq7NjbGNrBPCrsXBkb2YFZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEe8FBO8vI4V-vlq2BYmVZSh-15UoDwHPDEEahn8lk1N-hysujH2v6chknBA0w_aem_E_FMoXFXD4DdX_H8SshDIw

Update 8/16/2026:

Manuel is doing great and was discharged from the hospital today!

He had several fractures in his left arm and fingers that were repaired and splinted yesterday. His head laceration was stapled, and he’s taking antibiotics to prevent infection. His skull fracture will heal over time.

We are truly overwhelmed with gratitude for all the thoughts, prayers, well wishes, and words of support we have received. ❤️

To the kind bystanders who stopped to help him at the store, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your courage, for helping him, calling 911, and for contacting us so quickly. Because of you, we were able to get to him as quickly as possible. We will forever be grateful for the compassion and bravery you showed during such a frightening moment.

To the doctors, nurses, and techs at Ascension Seton, thank you for the incredible care, kindness, and compassion you showed him during his time of need. We are beyond grateful that he survived and so thankful he was in such caring hands.

To the Hutto Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS, thank you for responding so quickly, taking care of him, helping us understand what was happening, and for catching the perpetrator. Your professionalism and compassion meant more to our family than we can put into words.

We are incredibly grateful that he survived, and we know how fortunate we are to still have him with us. There truly are no words that can fully express our gratitude to everyone who helped him, cared for him, prayed for him, and supported our family through this.

And to everyone who has helped us financially, thank you. Your generosity has lifted a tremendous burden during an incredibly difficult time, and we are so grateful for every single person who has stood beside us.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. ❤️

8/15/2026:

I am raising funds for my father-in-law, Manuel Vera, after a horrifying and unprovoked assault at Home Depot in Hutto, Texas, on 8/14/2026. Manuel was simply there to buy supplies for his home when he was attacked out of the blue by a man wielding a hatchet. The attacker said he “knew him” and was trying to unalive him, but this was a case of mistaken identity. Manuel did not know this man.

Manuel did not deserve this. He is a good person. He is a loving father, brother, friend, and grandfather. Many people love and care about him.

Manuel is retired, and this terrible act has left his family facing unexpected medical bills, recovery costs, and possible counseling services as he works through the trauma of what happened.

I am asking for your help to support Manuel during this incredibly difficult time. Any donation, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow him to focus on healing and recovery.

If you are unable to give, please keep Manuel in your thoughts and share this fundraiser with others.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with Manuel and our family. ❤️