On June 14th, our lives changed in an instant. My fiancé, Forrest Hayden, was in a devastating car accident that left him with a punctured lung, multiple broken ribs, fractures in his spine, a shattered shoulder blade, a broken collar bone, and a concussion with memory loss. Forrest was partially ejected from our vehicle, which was crushed in the accident, and he struck a tree. He is now facing a long road to recovery, including several surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, and ongoing medical care. As a cook at Puxico Nursing and Rehab, Forrest has always worked hard to provide for our family. Now, he is unable to work, and we are left without any income or transportation. I am currently pregnant with our sixth child, and we have five other children at home who depend on us.
The costs are overwhelming—medical bills, two ambulance rides, travel expenses for appointments at Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, and our regular household bills are all piling up. We are also struggling to cover the costs of Forrest’s therapy and the care he needs to heal. Forrest is a loving, dedicated father who has always put his family first. This accident may slow him down, but he will never quit. Any support will help us focus on Forrest’s recovery and keep our family together during this incredibly difficult time. Your kindness will make a real difference for us as we navigate the challenges ahead.