In a single moment, everything changed for Valerie, her husband, and their five teenagers. Three of the teens were headed into the mountains for a day of hunting when another driver—having fallen asleep at the wheel—crossed the center line and struck their truck head-on at 70 miles per hour. The crash happened just minutes from Valerie’s home. When her phone rang, she rushed to the scene, hoping against all odds. Valerie was a nurse, and she knew what could happen in head-on collisions. She prayed her family had gotten lucky.
At first, the question was simple: was everyone alive? They were—but the road from there was long and painful. All three boys were rushed to the hospital, where it became clear that Valerie’s oldest son needed to be airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Denver. The injuries were extensive: liver and spleen lacerations, traumatic brain injury, a herniated disc, broken teeth, and later, the emotional toll of post-traumatic stress. Over just seven months, the boys required more than 75 medical, dental, and therapy appointments.
The medical bills came fast—and mercilessly. An $80,000 medical flight bill arrived, followed by ICU charges, therapy invoices, dental work, and counseling. Insurance covered only a fraction. Despite being a dual-income household, Valerie and her husband suddenly found themselves on the brink of medical bankruptcy. Valerie took on extra work, but her wages were garnished. The family was sent to collections. Soon, even the roof over their heads was at risk.
That’s when BridgeWell stepped in. Support from donors helped cover a critical mortgage payment and mounting utility bills—stabilizing the family at the very moment they were being overwhelmed. That assistance created breathing room. With the basics protected, the family could redirect what little they had toward medical bills, dental repairs, and counseling that allowed healing to truly begin.
In the middle of unimaginable crisis, BridgeWell donors gave this family more than financial help. They gave them hope—and a chance to recover together.
“You gave this family hope—and a chance to recover together.”