Support Zoe's Dad's Surgery and Recovery

Hi, my name is Zoe. On June 4th of 2024 my dad was riding his motorcycle in our small town to get supplies from Lowe’s. He was a self-employed carpenter and frequently rode about town for tools and supplies. On this day he was hit head-on by a young driver who turned left into my dad. The driver didn’t see my dad on his motorcycle at all. My dad was sent over the car-hitting his head, breaking two ribs, slicing his arm open, and breaking his pelvis. Luckily he was wearing his helmet, gloves, and jacket like always or the worst may have happened instead.

EMTs assessed him and decided our town could not care for the severity of his injuries. He was then life-flighted via helicopter to a nearby city.

My dad lives alone and all of us siblings were living 8+ hours away at the time. I got the call from my sister while at work. In three hours I was on a plane back to my town. At the time we only knew our dad had been life-flighted to another city. I feared the worst.

The ICU staff took care of my dad for 5 days while he awaited surgery. For 5 days my dad’s urgent need was postponed for higher need cases because the hospital was understaffed and only one specific surgeon could perform the pelvic surgery needed. My dad suffered a “book break” pelvis break. This is the most traumatic break possible. Basically, during the crash he landed on his rear and the pelvis bone split in two. He could not move from the bed. For days he was allowed sparse water and food while told “you might have surgery soon” while the days continued to pass with no avail. He was in so much pain and discomfort throughout it all. He has swollen and achy. He barely slept due to the pain and noise and fear. After the surgery, he spent two more days in the hospital for observation.

During this time I was so fortunate to be able to sit with my dad, set up his house for mobility access, and receive help from old friends. However, my dad would have a 6 month- 1year recovery with consistent physical therapy and check in visits. He also needed someone at home with him to help adjust. My family shared this responsibility-mostly my 85 year old grandma taking care of her 64 year old immobile son.

After months of recovery from the surgery, constant pain, and not being able to work, my dad’s bank account was drained. He didn’t have health insurance and the auto insurers were battling the claims and medical bills.

Neither would pay for it all. Meanwhile, my dad lost money and had no income for months.

Soon the surgeon discovered that all his continued pain was due to the screws in my dad’s pelvis coming loose. This had never happened before. Thus, my dad underwent the same major surgery again. This time with additional and larger screws. Our family was so distraught but hoped this would solve his pain and discomfort.

The second surgery meant that my dad would have another 6+ months of recovery. Another 2+ months of little to no mobility. Another 6+ months of no work. Another 6+ months of medical bills he couldn’t afford.

It is a year later and, unfortunately, not much has changed. My dad can walk most days. He is back at work, slowly and infrequently. He has been able to receive social security income. He has a lawyer to settle the insurance claims. He will get little to no money in return from the settlement. His bank account is still drained.

Now my dad has run out of money to afford continued physical therapy appointments. He is in pain daily. The emotional and mental toll has been devastating for him and our family.

Now my dad has been told that the screws didn’t set right. We are unsure if this will require another surgery OR life long discomfort. Due to the screws grinding into his muscle wall, he has two hernias. For this, he can not afford X-rays to prove that the screws from the second surgery are causing the hernias. He also can not afford the $5,000-$11,000 surgery to repair the hernias.

So this is what I ask of you: Please help me fundraise money to pay for X-rays and surgery so we can resolve a fraction of my dad’s pain. Please share this with your friends and family.

I am so greatful to anyone who donates or shares. This year has been scary and exhausting. It has been awful watching our father change from a healthy, adventurous, jovial 65 year old man into a disabled, burdened man.

Thank you.