My name is Tracy and I am starting this fundraiser with Kennedy O’Connell’s permission because our community has always been one that comes together when someone needs support.

The O’Connell family is a loving family of seven who are an important part of the Bruderheim community. Karl and Kennedy, along with their five children, have built their life here surrounded by friends, neighbours, and people who care deeply about them.

On Thursday evening, Karl was involved in a serious accident at home. Bruderheim fire department was first to respond and due to the severity of his injuries, Karl was transported by STARS Air Ambulance to the University of Alberta Hospital, where he is currently receiving specialized treatment in the burn unit.

His recovery will be a long road. Some areas are expected to heal over the coming weeks, while other injuries, particularly to his legs, will require further extensive treatment, including skin grafting surgery. Karl is expected to remain in hospital for an extended period while his medical team continues to determine the best path forward. Updates will be provided as the medical team provide them.

Karl is a hardworking husband and father in his 30s who works as a heavy duty equipment operator and has always worked hard to provide for his family. While Karl has health benefits and disability supports are being arranged, those processes take time, and the family is facing many unexpected expenses while Karl focuses on healing.

Kennedy is spending her days by Karl’s side while also caring for their five children and managing everything that comes with keeping a household going during this difficult time.

This fundraiser is being created to help ease the financial burden and allow the O’Connell family to focus on what matters most: Karl’s recovery and bringing their family back together at home.

Funds raised will help with:

• Household expenses while Karl is unable to work

• Travel, fuel, and hospital parking costs

• Meals and coffee during long hospital days

• Bringing Karl’s mother from Nova Scotia to Alberta so she can be with Karl and the family

• School supplies and family expenses

• Assistance with their pets and household needs

• Other unexpected costs that come with a long recovery

The response from the Bruderheim community has already shown how much the O’Connell family means to those around them. Family members have organized meals, and they delivered a large grocery order to alleviate the stress of feeding the family.

Now we are asking the wider community to join together and help carry the O’Connell family through the months ahead.

Karl is fighting hard, surrounded by an incredible medical team, a devoted wife, loving children, and a community that believes in him. Every donation, message, prayer, and act of kindness helps remind this family that they are not walking this road alone.

Thank you for supporting Karl, Kennedy, and their children as Karl continues his journey of healing and recovery.