June 13th, 2020 started out like an ordinary Saturday, but ended up changing our family forever when my healthy, strong 33 year-old son Jeremiah was injured in a catastrophic accident. After a long week of installing doors, Jeremiah got cleaned up and was looking forward to unwinding with his sweetheart, Liz, who lives about two and a half hours away. He made the trip before and was familiar with the roads. Unfortunately, with about 30 minutes to go, Jeremiah nodded off and his panel van careened across the highway, off the road and collided with a tree. The vehicle flipped over and crashed onto a boulder field.
Thankfully, no other travelers were involved in the crash. Those driving behind him saw what happened and quickly called 911. Rescue workers from several fire companies stabilized his van. Dozens of first responders carefully extricated him and transferred him to a helicopter that flew him to a nearby trauma hospital. Upon seeing the mangled mess of the van, the employees at the tow yard said that they’d never seen a wreck that bad in which the driver was still alive. Jeremiah’s miraculous survival amazed this seasoned crew!
After multiple surgeries and more than a month in the Trauma ICU, Jeremiah was transferred to the world renowned Magee Rehab Hospital in Philadelphia where he is working hard to recover physically and emotionally.
We are beyond grateful that his life was spared—however, he sustained significant injuries, so he’s going to need a great deal of help in his journey back to wellness and independence.
To be honest with you, Jeremiah is usually the one offering help, but now that he has suffered a spinal cord injury he is in need of a support team. By joining us, you will become an essential part of Jeremiah’s Journey.
Since the accident, Jeremiah has steadfastly maintained an optimistic and grateful outlook as he adjusts to his new realities. He has already proven himself to be much more than a survivor. Jeremiah is currently considered a quadriplegic but he knows that’s just a way to describe his limited mobility—it doesn’t define him. He feels blessed to have the love and support of so many friends and family members.
Painting was a source of deep healing to his heart and emotions prior to the accident and it continues to be a creative outlet to process the changes he is experiencing, to keep moving forward. He knows an amazing journey lies ahead.
Ways to help:
Prayers:
Jeremiah and our entire family would like to express our profound appreciation for the many prayers that have been offered on his behalf. Please keep them coming!
Financial gifts:
We are grateful that Jeremiah has been approved for Medicaid, but the experts at Magee have prepared us to accept that many, many of Jeremiah’s medical expenses will not be covered.
$100,000—Immediate goal to cover urgent priorities:
A wheelchair accessible van so Jeremiah can be transported to doctor’s appointments (and everywhere else he needs to go)
Renovation expenses for the apartment being renovated to accommodate his wheelchair, lift and other equipment. (Lots of skilled workers are donating their labor!)
General supplies and assistance that aren’t covered by insurance.
Gifts of any size would be greatly appreciated. We are working with an amazing non-profit called: Help Hope Live which has simplified this fundraising process immensely. They are a top-ranked non-profit and have 37 years of experience helping families like ours. Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility of gifts. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. They have thought of everything!
In the coming months, I will also be contacting you about some Jeremiah’s Journey fundraising events (likely virtual, due to Covid19) that are being planned that you may wish to participate in. But we have so many immediate needs to help Jeremiah transition out of the rehab hospital and into his new home, I hope you will consider making a gift today by using the donation button on this page.
Thanks in advance for your consideration of joining the Jeremiah’s Journey support team,
Kathi
P.S. I’m so excited that Jeremiah will soon have a larger team of support. Welcome aboard this exciting and humbling adventure.
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Family and friends of Jeremiah Wilson are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.
Jeremiah has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.
For more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.
Thank you for your support!
