Support Nicole Hays' Journey to Healing

At 1 a.m. on March 15, 2025, Nicole Hays was involved in a horrific car accident. Luckily, some unspoken hero saw the aftermath and called to get her help. Nicole remembers flashing lights through her cracked and curled-in windshield, and the sound of machinery like saws that she suspects were the firefighters cutting her out of her totaled car.

Nicole suffered a fracture in her neck that risked paralysis and required a cervical spinal fusion, a dislocated and fractured left hip, a fractured left elbow, and severe pain in her left shoulder and right leg. Her surgery for her neck went well thankfully, but unfortunately, there is nothing they can do for her hip and elbow besides letting her body heal on its own. She ended up being in the hospital for 14 days. She needs to wear a neck brace for the next 4 weeks before she can even start physical therapy for it, and she cannot put any pressure on her left leg for 6 weeks before she can even start physical therapy for that as well.

Nicole lives on the second floor of her apartment, with only stair access, and although she tried to get into a rehab center, she was ultimately denied coverage and forced to recover on her own in a less-than-ideal environment given her injuries. She is currently trying to apply for disability to make ends meet while she heals, but is not sure if she will be accepted. She had an interview for a new job scheduled this week, but because she is now without a car, she can no longer make that work.

Although Nicole is extremely lucky, all things considered, and happy to be alive, she is facing a very daunting uphill battle not just physically, but financially. Nicole just got a car and got it repaired, and now it's totaled. The towing company that took her car after the accident is charging her $1,300. And although she should be covered through her medical insurance, she is rightfully scared that she will not get full coverage for her long stay at the hospital, as well as potentially having to pay for any other outpatient rehab she will have to go through. She will not even be able to walk around, let alone ride her bike or use public transit to find work, for at least 2-3 months if not more.

If Nicole can recoup the near $7,500 for her car and the towing charge, that would already help tremendously. But she knows that it is going to be a massive challenge to survive the foreseeable future as she will continue having to pay all of her bills, rent, and expenses all while being severely injured and unable to work. So if any other funds are received, they will all significantly help her with her day-to-day expenses and any other potential out-of-pocket medical bills. Nicole is healing quite well given the severity of her injuries, but it is going to be a long journey before her life can go back to normal. Sharing would be massively helpful, and I know Nicole would be extremely grateful for any and all contributions to help her get through this. Thank you all so much, Nicole and all those who love and care for her really appreciate it <3