Amputee Jerami’s Hit and Run #SupportAUSMCVeteran

41 year old, Jerami Westenberger’s life changed drastically the evening of May 23, 2019. Returning home from AutoZone on his motorcycle just before dark, a vehicle struck the right side of his motorcycle and his right leg on Jeffco Blvd.  The driver fled the scene, leaving Jerami on the pavement in critical condition with two severed arteries and comminuted fractures of his tibia and fibula. His bone was literally sticking out of his leg. This is a tough concept for a physically fit Marine who believes you leave no man behind.  The hit and run driver literally left Jerami there to die.  Already suffering from PTSD as a United States Marine Corps Veteran, his family and friends wondered how this event would impact him. Jerami was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he underwent emergency surgery that evening.  Little did he or his family know this would be the first of several surgeries.  With each additional surgery in an attempt to save his leg, the recovery process was more significant and more painful than the preceding surgery. Many times he thought he couldn’t live with the pain he was in. Five weeks and at least seven surgeries later, his right leg was amputated below the knee.  He was finally able to return home after six weeks of hospitalization on July 3rd due to his upper body strength as a result of his prior dedication to his health and working out.  However, this left him with additional obstacles to overcome.  He now could never be left alone and had to maneuver with only one leg, many times believing the other leg was still there. Not to mention the uncontrollable pain and he has yet to see a pain management doctor due to extended waits for new patient appointments. Jerami Westenberger is not just a Veteran. He is a father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and a Marine surviving two tours of duty.  His first tour was in Iraq - Operation Iraqi Freedom, followed by Djibouti, Africa – Operation Enduring Freedom: Horn of Africa. Jerami has always felt his purpose just as defined by the Marine Corps is “to improvise, adapt and overcome any obstacle in whatever situation...”  He has continued to live by the core values instilled in him by the Marine Corps: honor, courage and commitment.  Jerami is also a well-spoken, diehard Union brother who has been a member of the Laborers’ Union for the last 4 years and a member of the Operators’ Union for the preceding 7 years. If you are lucky enough to know this man, you already know he would do anything not just for you, but for anyone.  Jerami would give the shirt off his back for someone in need, even if it was the only shirt he owned. At this time, which is his greatest time of need, he maintains his viewpoint that others needs are far more important than his own and those of his family, which includes a 19 year old son, a 12 year old daughter and a 15 year old adopted son, along with his fiancé and her two children.  Jerami loves spending time with his family and friends and weightlifting.  Jerami has his whole life ahead of him and hopes to get back to work and doing the things he enjoys most.     Jerami has significant pride and would never personally ask for help, whether it be to help him with daily activities or financially.  At this point, he remains out of work for the last 4 months living on only one income, with no return forthcoming at this point given his labor intensive job.  He has not yet received a prosthetic leg and the bills, especially medical bills, are rolling in.  With his medical bills which are well in excess of $550,000, loss of income, children and the cost of living, he is under severe financial stress.           All funds received will be used to alleviate the financial strain brought on by Jerami’s medical treatment and loss of income. Any donation, big or small, is deeply and sincerely appreciated. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you share the link to this cause.