On Thursday morning, April 18th, while my sister-in-law, Shanta Schmiesing, was driving home, her vehicle was struck by a car fleeing police. She was taken to Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, where it was determined her injuries were too severe to be treated locally. She was then rushed to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in critical condition.

Shanta suffered multiple injuries, including: a jaw fracture, L5 lumbar fracture, shoulder fractures (both shoulders), two brain bleeds, and multiple pelvic fractures. The pelvic fractures resulted in her having surgery to install an external pelvic stabilizing bar to keep her bones in place while healing. She spent three weeks in the hospital and has been home recovering since. Insurance restrictions have prevented her from being able to go to a rehab hospital, or qualify for home health or physical therapy. Because of this, my brother Tyler (her husband) arranged for medical equipment to be delivered to their home and has taken FMLA to care for her. Currently, 6 weeks after the incident, she is bed bound: unable to walk and only has ability to bend her arms at the elbow. She can’t raise her arms to give their 4 children a hug, can’t move or adjust herself in bed, and certainly can’t get out of bed or walk.

Shanta, Tyler and their children have shown incredible strength and courage as they’ve gone through this horrible experience. They’ve focused on looking forward and healing, despite the numerous and often unimaginably frustrating road blocks placed in front of them day after day.

I have created this GoFundMe in the hopes of providing some financial relief to them. Shanta has a long and painful road of recovery still ahead, and this accident has no doubt taken a huge toll on their family in so many ways. My goal is to remove as many stressors as possible so they can focus on her healing. If you are able and willing to give, we would be forever grateful.

All donations will go directly to Shanta and Tyler to pay for medical expenses and help keep them financially afloat until they can get back to work.