Katie was a beloved wife, a devoted mother of three boys, and a dear friend to so many of us. She was tragically killed in an accident while on her way to our Classical Conversations homeschool campus with her three sons. Her boys survived, but all three were seriously injured and are now facing a long road of hospitalization, treatment, and recovery.
Her boys need our prayers—and this family needs our help.
Her 14-year-old son was riding in the front seat. He suffered a broken clavicle and scapula and underwent surgery to evaluate an injury involving his carotid artery. Thankfully, they did not need to place a stent at that time. This morning, September 22, doctors are concerned that he may have a collapsed lung.
He remembers the accident and, heartbreakingly, he was the first to learn that his mama had died. Even in the midst of his own pain and grief, he apologized to his mom’s best friend for her passing. That is the kind of compassionate heart he has. Please pray especially for his heart as he processes the loss of his mother while recovering from his own injuries.
Her 11-year-old son has fractures in his left arm and pelvis, a possible femur fracture, and four compressed vertebrae in his neck. He has already undergone surgery. Physically, he is considered the least critical of the three, but emotionally he is struggling greatly with being in the hospital. He does not like wearing his neck brace and keeps trying to remove it. He has not yet been told that his mama died. Please pray for wisdom, tenderness, and strength for everyone caring for him.
Her 9-year-old son suffered an injury to his aorta and heart valve and underwent surgery to stabilize those injuries. His surgical team said he did wonderfully—about as well as they could have hoped—and they believe he will be okay. He will have a long recovery ahead, but there is great reason to be thankful. Update 9/22-11:30am pray for his bowels to wake up soon!!
Neurology has also evaluated him and was pleased with his condition. He is currently required to lie flat while they wait for an MRI to evaluate concerns regarding his neck and spine. He may have to remain flat for an extended period. His nurses are advocating for his pain to be managed well, especially after a difficult night.
The full extent of the boys’ injuries is still unknown. All three will need continued medical care, monitoring, rehabilitation, and support as they heal physically and emotionally from this devastating accident.
And alongside the boys’ recovery is a husband who has just lost his wife and best friend.
Katie and her husband were junior-high sweethearts. She was his best friend—the person he wanted beside him above anyone else. Now he is trying to navigate the unimaginable loss of his wife while sitting beside his injured sons in the hospital.
Their family was already facing significant challenges before this tragedy. They have been working to repair mold damage in their home and have been having issues with their well. There is still substantial work that needs to be done to make their home safe and livable.
The last thing this family should have to worry about right now is how they will pay for the necessities of life. They may also need to make it wheelchair accessible during recovery.
They live about 2½ hours from the Medical Center, so there will be ongoing expenses for gas, parking, food, travel to appointments, medical needs, and eventually rehabilitation and continued care for the boys. There are also significant home repairs that will need to be addressed.
If you feel led to give, your gift will help carry this family through the days and months ahead.
Funds will be used to help with:
- Funeral expenses for Katie
- Medical expenses and ongoing care for the boys
- Travel, gas, and hospital parking
- Food and basic living expenses
- Rehabilitation and recovery needs
- Necessary repairs and remodeling to their home.
- Someone to help with cooking and cleaning
- unexpected expenses that arise as this family walks through this tragedy
No gift is too small. This family has been devastated by an unimaginable loss.
And above all, please pray.
Pray for these three boys—for healing, peace, courage, and comfort as they recover from their injuries and eventually face the reality of losing their mama.
Pray for Katie’s husband as he grieves the loss of his best friend while caring for their children.
Pray for the doctors, nurses, surgeons, and everyone caring for the boys.
And pray for the Lord to surround this family with His presence and provide for every need in the days ahead.
Thank you for loving Katie, loving her boys, and helping carry this family through one of the darkest seasons imaginable.
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Katie’s favorite verse was: Old Testament prophecy of Jesus or Romans 12:2–“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may approve what the will of God is, that which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Romans 12:2
update from Bryce 9/22 4:30pm
Noah has seen his grandparents from both sides and is good spirits. His nurse grew up at the church we used to attend and is wearing a pin that says “Love Like Jesus” and played worship music for Noah when he was nervous. Katie would have loved her and Noah has really connected with her so we are grateful for that. He will have an MRI tomorrow to make sure he doesn’t have any serious spinal cord injuries.
Chandler did sustain injuries to his abdomen and they cut out about 40 cm of his colon or intestines (I really don’t remember) and will need a colostomy bag for a little while but not permanently, they will reconnect his plumbing when he is further along in his recovery. He did need pins in both arms but no incisions. He is getting an MRI now to clear his spine and make sure his compressions in his neck aren’t severe.
Hayden was supposed to have an MRI but at the last minute I reminded the nurse that he had a palate expander so they canceled the MRI and had a nurse remove the expander. MRI will be scheduled tomorrow.
