On the night of 12/14, our friend and Stillwater High School girls' soccer coach, Shawn Nelson, hit an icy patch on his way home. He lost control of the car and was launched into a nearby ditch. The force of the impact resulted in a broken back. Shawn is facing 6-8 weeks in a back brace with limited mobility and an unknown amount of recovery and rehabilitation time.

And while we are grateful that he will eventually recover, his family of 6 faces months of a single income, projected high medical costs, and an unknown return to work date. His wife, Julie, is a teacher and is currently working 2 jobs. Shawn is a one-man show in his small business. He works in construction and needs a fully functioning body to make a living. If you know the Nelsons, this is a hard ask for them. They are typically the helpers. Also, if you have been lucky enough to cross paths with Shawn, you know if the tables were turned, he would be one of the first people to call and ask, “How can I help?”

Please consider helping this family that has meant so much to our Stillwater community. Shawn is a long-time youth and high school girls' soccer coach. He is a man of faith and is trusting the Lord will get him back on his feet. He is a salt-of-the-earth type of guy, one you can count on to be there when it matters and to coach your daughter to be not only a better athlete but a better person too. So let’s be there for Shawn and his family right now.