Ron Stewart Vehicle Accident

On May 21st our father, Ron Stewart Sr., was involved in a head-on collision when a pickup truck crossed the center line and collided with Dad's car at highway speeds. Miraculously Dad survived. The car was hit in such a way that the only place in the car not completely destroyed was the driver's seat which was just barely intact allowing only enough space for Dad. The first responders were able to cut Dad free and stabilize him until the helicopter was able to fly him to the St. Cloud Hospital. Over the next few hours (and following days) the extent of his injuries became more clear: 6 broken ribs, 3 fractured vertebrae, including 1 compression fracture, a vitreous detachment in his right eye, a concussion and multiple cuts and bruises.
The expectation at this point is that he will be home bound for the next three months while he receives in-home care and physical therapy. At this point it is too early to say what the long term effects of his injuries will be; it can be assumed however that the possible 3 months of healing the bones will be only a fraction of the healing that will be required. 

Aside from physical healing, Mom & Dad will need to cover medical costs. The helicopter ride, his time in the hospital and the extensive care he received from multiple departments and specialties will be far beyond what they can support. And that is not including ongoing care and the cost of whatever unforeseen needs arise. Also we are asking for your help in supporting our Dad and Mom as we prepare the house to accommodate for his current needs and replace some of the items damaged in the collision including his hearing aid which disappeared somewhere in the chaos. And items that he had with him that were a part of his teaching position with the MN Highway Safety Research Center (the irony is not lost on us) including his laptop computer that was destroyed. (He was on his way to one of his classes at the time of the collision. Something he started after he retired from ministry.) 

We want our Dad and Mom to be able to focus on recovery and not on the wave of costs that will quickly be coming. 

Also it is very important to our Mom & Dad that in addition to donations you would also take some time and say a prayer for the driver of the pick-up truck. We don't know much about his situation but he was also hurt and we don't want him to be overlooked  in this. His life changed that day also.

Thank you for the love and support you all have shared and keep the prayers coming. There is a long road ahead.

Love and appreciate you all,

Ron & Shannon, Chris & Kristin, Nate & Sherawn, Ben & Megan and all the Grandkids