Last week, my cousin's son Jeff was involved in a horrific car accident while driving to work at the Phillips 66 refinery. Around 4 am, Tuesday, April 29th, Jeff was struck head on by a 21 yo undocumented immigrant who was driving under the influence. The young man at fault for the accident died at the scene. Jeff was fortunate to survive, but has a very long recovery ahead. At this time, we are still unsure if this young man's insurance was even an active policy.

Jeff has required multiple surgeries. The most significant injury was an acetabulum fracture that will require him to be wheelchair bound for the next 3 months in order for the right hip to heal. This injury is the worst type of hip fracture and only occurs at high speed impacts. His hip was shattered into 6 pieces and required multiple pins and plate to repair. Prior to the repair, the sciatic nerve was compressed and severely bruised resulting in lack of feeling and inability to move his leg below the knee. He is still with loss of function/feeling below the right ankle. In addition, his left femur was shattered and required insertion of a rod to stabilize the bone. He has undergone other procedures to address the numerous injuries you might expect from a high speed, head on collision. Among his injuries are numerous broken ribs, bruised lung, grade 2 spleen contusion, bruising of the intestines and restricted blood flow to his colon. This is not the extent of his injuries, but a good representation of the severity of his wounds.

Jeff is fortunate to be alive and also fortunate to have great benefits. The road ahead though will require a lot of sacrifice and money. Monies to cover deductibles which they will absolutely max out if they haven’t already. Money to provide for care for Paisley (16) and Tucker (11) while Jessica is away with Jeff. Money for fuel to get to OKC for Jessica, who is taking unpaid leave from her job so can be by Jeff’s side to help his recovery. Those of you who know Jeff, know his strong work ethic and his inability to return to work at this time and provide for his family is absolutely devastating to him.

The net net is the Stoelzings could use your help. Anyone who knows them, knows they would never take or ask for a hand out, but this isn’t that. This is you reaching out your hand to help lift them out of the hole this terrible accident has put them in. No, money will not solve the challenges that this wreck has caused for this family, but it also should not be the challenge that prevents them from recovering together. The journey to recovery is just a week old and obstacles ahead aren’t even fully identified yet. We know Jeff will require assisted living for the immediate and short term with at least 3 months non-weight bearing for his leg to heal. On behalf of the family, we are asking that if you are able, please consider pitching in a few bucks to help Jeff and Jessica as they go through the toughest battle of their lives. All monies will go directly to the family.