On May the 3rd, my brother, Mark Hilley and my niece, Natalie Hilley, were involved in a terrible motorcycle accident. Natalie sustained injuries but fortunately was released from the hospital the same day as the accident. My brothers’ injuries were more severe. He had to be air-lifted to a trauma hospital in Alabama. He suffered nine broken ribs, broken wrist, lacerations to his liver, spleen and kidneys, a collapsed lung and a leak around his heart. He spent eight days in ICU, and four days in PCU before he was allowed to go into a regular room. It was touch and go in the beginning, and, as a family, we were all worried as to whether or not he would pull through. Thankfully, he has survived the accident, but after multiple surgeries, medications, and soon, rehabilitation, his medical bills are growing exponentially.

 

Mark is a Marine veteran and is married with two children. He is a very devoted, dedicated, and loving husband and father. He works three jobs to support his family. He is a District Chief with the Gulfport Fire Dept., a firefighter/paramedic with the Harrison County Fire Service and is a paramedic for AMR. He has served as a firefighter for over twenty years. Mark is a hardworking man with a kind heart. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.  Many years ago, when my son was only about eleven years old, we were driving on our way to my brother’s house for a cookout. My son said to me, “I hope I’m like Uncle Mark when I grow up” and I said, “A Fireman?” and my son said “No, a worthy man!!” That absolutely sums my brother up.

 

Unfortunately, this accident will leave Mark and his family in a lot of financial stress; especially if he is unable to work for any length of time. I hope that you will consider helping my brother by making a donation towards his medical bills. He has served his country with pride, has an unbeatable work ethic, is willing to go the extra mile for his family, and has helped save lives as a paramedic and a firefighter. Thank you for any help you can offer, and please share!