Help Hope Live for Avery Alderman-Smith
Avery and Stetson were involved in a serious accident on Thursday night, November 6th, when their side-by-side was struck by a car. Both were thrown from the vehicle. Stetson is recovering from a broken femur, broken nose, broken scapula, and several abrasions. He underwent surgery to place a rod in his leg to stabilize the fracture.
Avery sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, along with multiple spinal, facial, and pelvic fractures, as well as abrasions and head lacerations. In the first 19 days following the accident, Avery underwent three brain surgeries and still has a large portion of her skull removed. She spent 34 days in the Trauma ICU at Lakeland Regional Health before being transferred to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for intensive inpatient rehabilitation. The Shepherd Center is a world-renowned facility specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
Avery currently receives intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy daily. Despite these efforts, she remains bedridden and wheelchair-bound. She has regained the use of her right arm and is able to communicate through writing. We hope and pray that, with continued therapy, she will one day walk and talk again. Upon discharge, Avery will require full-time care and ongoing therapy.
Avery is an extremely kind and loving young woman. She married Stetson, her high school sweetheart, on December 28, 2023, became a registered nurse in June 2024, and works at Lakeland Regional Health. At just 25 years old, she was only beginning her beautiful life with her husband and their Australian Shepherd, Beau. Beau is currently enrolled in a service dog training program and will be able to assist Avery when she returns home.
No one ever anticipates or prepares for a tragedy of this magnitude. We have started this campaign to help fund a wheelchair-accessible van for Avery’s transportation, as well as additional medical equipment and continued therapy. Avery’s insurance provides only a limited number of outpatient therapy days, far fewer than she will need. Our prayer is that our sweet girl will regain her ability to walk, talk, and once again be the nurse she was born to be.
Family and friends of Avery Alderman-Smith are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with a Catastrophic Injury. Avery has chosen to fundraise with Help Hope Live in part because donations are tax deductible for contributors and will only be used to cover medical and related expenses.
Guestbook
March 28, 2026
Katie, I’m so sorry to just now hear this horrible news about your daughter and son-in-law. I have missed you and pray that your daughter and son-in-law recover 100%.. Jim and I both send love and hugs to your whole family. Hopefully one day see you again at White Springs.
Diane Scarnecchia
March 5, 2026
Praying for you guys❤️
Adam Williams
February 28, 2026
Praying for all of you daily
Carla Mayo
February 27, 2026
Praying for Avery!
Taylor Duckworth
February 20, 2026
God is so good!! We are praying for you everyday! Love you guys!
Shelly & David Sharrett
February 19, 2026
Wishing you the best Avery, God bless you.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
— Isaiah 41:10
Anonymous
February 14, 2026
Praying for the whole family…lifting Avery to our Lord and Savior daily.
Maria Vail
February 13, 2026
We have been in your shoes and continue to be with our son having a severe traumatic brain injury. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you!
Shayna Piccirello
February 12, 2026
Thinking and praying for Avery and family and sending love.
Brad and Michelle Oliver
February 12, 2026
With love and prayers, Kim and Dane
Kimberly Williams
February 10, 2026
We love y’all so much! It is so inspiring to see what God continues to do and the improvements being made each day. It We are praying for you and your family!
Anonymous
February 9, 2026
Praying for healing
Anonymous
February 8, 2026
Praying for your family and a full recovery
Cris Miller
February 8, 2026
Brandy, Jimmy, Aubri, and Avery,
We continue to pray for you daily. I look forward to your updates and thank God for the way Avery is making progress each and every day. Love you!
Lorie and Daniel
Lorie Trzeciak
February 6, 2026
We love yall and are praying for the family every day.
Theresa and Jay
February 6, 2026
Praying that God heals Avery and her husband completely in Jesus Holy Name and that their families are kept in perfect peace that surpasses all understanding
Anonymous
February 6, 2026
My heart aches knowing what you’re going through. I believe in your strength and resilience. You’re a fighter, and I know that with each passing day, you’re one step closer to healing. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I know this is a tough season, but I hope you’re surrounded by strength, love, and support as you move toward healing. Wishing you comfort and better days ahead.
Marlene
February 6, 2026
Sending love, strength, and prayers during this difficult time.
Kent and Linda Stephens
Linda Stephens
February 5, 2026
Sending so much love, strength, and prayers for healing.
Cynthia Clarke
February 5, 2026
Praying continually for you Avery! You are Strong and have continuously overcome all expectations. We love you and your family so much!
Phillip, Amanda, and adley herrington
February 3, 2026
Sending prayers and love
Coleen Mcgrath
February 3, 2026
May God continue to look down upon Avery and Stetson and bless them with the best recovery possible. May our wonderful friends Brandy and Jimmy stay strong, there is much love being sent to you.
Bradley Lenz
February 2, 2026
We will be praying for Stetson and Avery. Please keep posting on FB how they are progressing. Much love goes out to them and their families. Remember, prayer and praise works. I learned many years ago to begin praising God in advance. Ask God specifically what you want Him to do for Stetson and Avery, then begin praising Him in advance for the answer that’s on the way. Praising God in advance is an act of faith, and faith moves God. Pray TARGET/Specific prayers.
Anonymous
February 2, 2026
Praying for continued healing for Avery and strength for you all!♥️God’s got this!
Mikayla Leeds
February 1, 2026
Praying for you and your family. Your story really touched my heart so sorry you are going through this. Continue to be strong and the fighter you are.
Debra Terwilliger
February 1, 2026
Love and prayers. God Bless.
COLLEEN POLACK
February 1, 2026
Sending all the strength in the world. Nothing is impossible, she will regain more than imagined!
Anonymous
January 31, 2026
She will heal by the Grace of God because she has healed people, we love you Avery so much
Jesse Grace Soriano
January 30, 2026
prayers on this recovery for both.
Jeanette Gibson
January 30, 2026
We've never met, but I too work for LRH and saw this story. It spoke to my heart and I believe God will make this your testimony to lift up others. Please keep your faith and determination. He's got you gorgeous!
Lynnette Apetz
Stephen Apetz
January 29, 2026
Praying for a speedy recovery!!
Riley Minix
January 28, 2026
Before I knew anything about the situation with Avery, an unknown woman, who obviously had little money,, came to my house this past week to purchase an item that I had on Marketplace. As she was returning to her very old truck, she stopped and came back to me and handed me a roll of money. She said, “God just told me to give you this”. I tried to give it back with no success. She drove. I just stood in my driveway so very confused. I stood right there and asked God what he wanted me to do with this money,knowing she needed it, I told God I would keep it until he showed me what to do with it. By the way, when I when I unrolled it there was $100. Two days later my niece Shelley Lopez put the article on Facebook about Avery. I stopped right then and thanked God for sending the sign on 3hat to do with the money.
Teresa Griffis
January 28, 2026
We have been praying for all of you nonstop! Only God knows and understands what you all are going through and the challenges ahead. In reading through all the updates, we see the strength and perseverance that Avery has. Not to mention the support of all those helping to heal her and care for her. We pray for peace, safety and rest in the Lord. We pray for clarity and comfort in navigating the upcoming days and months. We will continue to cheer you on Avery, and our prayers will not cease. Our prayers include ALL of you! Jima and Becky Barnes
Jim and Becky Barnes
January 28, 2026
I truly hope every day can get a little better for you guys. I will continue to pray for both of you and your families. Thank you for your service as a nurse. - Up & Over Roofing
Anonymous
January 28, 2026
My heart broke reading your post on John K9's pg., as I have a daughter the same age. Praying not only for Avery's recovery, but strength for all of the family.
Staci R.
January 27, 2026
We will continue to pray for Avery, Stetson, and family. We know the Lord hears the prayers of so many on your behalf! It will be a joyous day when Bo is reunited with his mom and dad and is able to show off his new skills while helping Avery! Much love, Terry and Jill Arnett
Terry and Jill Arnett
January 27, 2026
Praying for you both ♥️
Lauren Musselman
January 27, 2026
Prayers going your way for all.
Anthony Fusaro
January 27, 2026
Sending ❤️
Sarah Schneider
January 27, 2026
Praying for God’s Healing and His Miracles to be poured upon you and everyone tending to your care through the mighty power of Jesus!
Rhonda Warnick
January 27, 2026
God bless you Avery! Love to you and family Marcia
marcia huff
January 27, 2026
Love you guys❤️
Rikey Matticks
January 27, 2026
Praying for the whole family, and for a Complete Recovery.
Ioni Castillo
January 26, 2026
Surrounding all of you with love and healing.♥️
Megan Hochheimer
January 26, 2026
My heart is broken that this has happened. I\'m praying for God to watch over you and help your body heal, help you to stay strong, and to continue to have faith and hope during this extremely difficult time. So many people love you and believe in you.
Elyse Jacoby
January 26, 2026
I am truly sorry to hear of this awful accident. I will be praying for your beautiful daughter and her husband along with all the family. God speed on their recovery. Much love and hugs.
Torrie Fagan
January 26, 2026
Hello, I have a tilt space wheelchair if you are in need of it. Someone tagged me in your post but I could not reply or send you a message. I did send a friend request.❤️
Wendy Silvernell
January 26, 2026
Sending prayers and love always! Keep fighting Aves! ❤️
Michelle Fisher
January 26, 2026
Lord please comfort and surround Avery and her family with your peace and love.
Betty Spigelmeyer
January 26, 2026
Cory and I have been praying for you both and your families every day. We love you both so much and are sending all our love and strength your way. God is the great healer and we are trusting him to carry you all through this. ❤️
Haleigh Rahman
January 25, 2026
Praying for you and your family Avery! May God continue to heal and restore you. You are loved by so many! Keep fighting❤️
Susan Peraza
January 25, 2026
You got this Sweet AVERY!!
Billie May
January 25, 2026
Praying for Avery, her husband and her family
Angela Speer
January 25, 2026
Get better soon
Sanjiv Gray
January 25, 2026
We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Nothing but good memories with Avery and her Godly character. Everything happens for a reason!
Romans 8:28 (NIV): "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Genesis 50:20 (NIV): "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...
Madison Servo Coca
January 25, 2026
Dear Lord. I ask for complete healing for Avery. Lord God please heal her. We know that miracles still happen today and You are the healer of all our ills. Please Lord Jesus heal this couple and restore them to their previous health and well being! I ask all of this and so much more in Your glorious and holy name, our Lord God Almighty! AMEN and AMEN!!
Sally Covey
January 25, 2026
May Jehovah our Healer heal you both in every way, multiple these givings, and make something good out of this situation. May everything be restored times seven.
Justine gray
January 25, 2026
We’re thinking and praying for you guys! Jared and Emma
Emma Hickey
January 25, 2026
This has changed all of our lives forever! We will continue to pray and believe God's goodness. Avery never leaves out minds! We will believe God's grace is sufficient
Connie Oates
January 25, 2026
I’ll be praying for you all!
Quinton Anderson
January 25, 2026
praying for you!
Noah Yerkey
January 25, 2026
Sending love & prayers for God’s healing power.
Carol J. Butler
January 25, 2026
Focusing on Healing and Happiness!
Anonymous
January 25, 2026
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray Avery and Stetson have a full recovery.
Paulette Allmon
January 25, 2026
Our prayers are with you all ♥️
Deborah Boynton
January 25, 2026
Sending many prayers and lots of love.
Katie Medina
January 25, 2026
We love you girl!!
Arlene Beck
January 25, 2026
To the other half of my heart. Bella and I love you.
Jessica Schwartz
January 25, 2026
In honor of Avery Rae Alderman-Smith
Charlotte Mcgahee
January 25, 2026
God Bless these beautiful people
Chris Allen
January 25, 2026
We serve a faithful God! Just keep swimming! Sending prayers and hugs!
Madeline Bretz
January 25, 2026
Leah and I are sending so much love & prayers to both of you on this journey. God works miracles and will continue for you both. Much love❤️
Tyler Rahman
January 25, 2026
Praying that God adds to this gift so that your needs are met, and that you are drawn closer to Him even as you heal from your injuries.
Bruce Herbitter
January 25, 2026
I work with Regan and have been getting regular updates about Avery. I keep telling Regan that Avery’s story will be a book one day. Her resilience and strength are enlightening! The power of prayer is so strong!
Jennifer Korte
January 25, 2026
Praying daily for total healing for both Stetson & Avery.
Cheryl Johnston
January 25, 2026
Prayers continue to you and your family as you continue on this journey. Avery and Stetson are making so much progress every day and we appreciate the updates every day. God is writing your story and it will be an encouragement to others. May the Lord bless you and keep you.
Love,
Doug & Nancy Goble
Nancy and Doug Goble
January 25, 2026
This is wild to hear. Your big sister loves you Avery! I am sending all the good vibes your way!
raven koch
January 24, 2026
I pray for Avery and I have continued to keep her in my thoughts. I’m happy to see how far she has come already; only up from here. With God, all things are possible! Thank you God!
Gretchin Allen
January 24, 2026
I am praying for you Avery!
Michelle Smith
January 24, 2026
Prayers for all of you!
Katie Sparkman
January 24, 2026
Stetson and Avery may God bless you both with a speedy recovery. My prayers are with you both.
Jim Rahman
January 24, 2026
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family! Praying for speedy recoveries!
We love you both,
Uncle Terry, Linsey and Autumn
Terry Brown
January 24, 2026
Praying for you guys.
Darrell Farrell
January 24, 2026
Avery you’re a strong fighter like your momma you can do this! We love you
The Gonzalez Family
Jaime Gonzalez
January 24, 2026
Prayers from Christen’s Aunt Michelle & Uncle Phil
Michelle Betz
January 24, 2026
Will be keeping you guys in are prayers !!
Jose Peralta
January 24, 2026
Praying for full recovery. Sherry & Brandy
Sherry Donovan
January 24, 2026
Praying for Avery’s full recovery!
Manuel and Shelley Lopez
January 24, 2026
We are praying for Avery, her husband and family daily! God is the great physician!
Karen Greeson
January 24, 2026
We are keeping you all in our prayers.
Brad and Karen Davis
January 24, 2026
Praying!
Andrew Stenberg
January 24, 2026
Hey Avery, God still has you covered even if it may not feel like it some days. You were always a great teammate and a sweet friend. I pray God heals and restores you and your husband in his own special way. Sending you love and phone hugs! <3
Melkayla Irvis
January 24, 2026
Keeping your family in my prayers!
Tracy Mazzei
January 24, 2026
Prayers from the Smith family!
Emily Smith
January 24, 2026
Sending you all much love!
Christy Price Christy Price
January 24, 2026
The Stewart Family Will Continue To Pray And Support The Smith Family! We Love You Guys!
Kendrick Stewart
January 24, 2026
You impress us each and every day, Avery! We love you and can’t wait to see you.
You have an army surrounding you and praying for you.
God has His arms wrapped tightly around you. Through His grace, and your incredible strength, we are witnessing a miracle unfold before our eyes.
Exceptional. 10/10. Five stars. Chef’s kiss. (I hope that gave a smile!)
All.The.Things.
You’ve got this… and we’ve got you!!
Jennifer Pahl
January 24, 2026
❤️
Allie Downs
January 24, 2026
❤️
Rylee Moorman
January 24, 2026
Thinking of and praying for you all often.
Amy Hickey
