Father of 2 Daughters Hit by Train
Donation protected
My name is Wendell Towe and I started this GoFundMe for Howard Vass. Howard has been a childhood friend of mine for over 25 years. He is a Forklift Operator and an employee of Planters for 15 years. I don’t have the right words to say but I need your help because Howard’s life has been changed dramatically. He has been impacted in ways most people would not survive. My friend was hit by a train on his way to work.
On the morning of 11/20/20, Howard encountered what would be one of the most devastating events that have ever happened to him or any person. This day started like any other day for him. He was traveling to work on his normal route as he came across a familiar railroad crossing. He waited several minutes before crossing as usual. As he proceeded, he was struck by a train and was jolted into the air and what was left of the car landed into the adjacent field. Miraculously, Howard was able to place the phone call that saved his life.
With Howard barely breathing paramedics arrived on the scene. They saw the fragments of the car that remained and thought he was dead. Astonishingly, they heard him say, “I can’t open the door and I need to get out.” The miracle manifested; He is alive! The paramedics then rushed him to Norfolk Sentara hospital where he is placed in critical condition.
Howard sustained severe injuries to include fractured vertebrates in the neck, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured tibia, a fractured collarbone, and lacerations on his liver and kidney.
Howard is an amazing man and he is so much to so many: A husband, a father, a hard-worker, and a primary provider to his family. Howard is the guy who brings joy to all and is skilled at putting a smile on someone’s face whether it is through telling a joke, giving a compliment, or sharing an encouraging word.
The most important title that Howard carries and cherishes is father. He would often say, “I do what I do because of my girls.” Howard’s adoration for his daughters is the best part of him. Not being able to devote his attention to his daughters due to being preoccupied with the sudden loss of income would negatively impact his girl’s emotional quality of life. Therefore, your support has far-reaching implications beyond tangible needs.
Now it is he that needs to be encouraged. Now it is he that is placed in a position of need. The family and I are asking for your support as the hospital bills are quickly piling and the bills of his household are soon to come. The road to recovery will be lengthy as we hope for him to regain his strength, mobility, and activity of his limbs. Doctors report that he will be out of work with no definitive return date and this could be detrimental to his family’s well-being. His ability to provide has been severely impacted. Reaching our goal will be built on the generosity and benevolence of the individuals who love him and those who understand unplanned hardships. The family and I are leaning on your humanity and understanding. Without hurting yourself, please do what you can to help.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/suffolk/accident-involving-norfolk-southern-train-in-suffolk/
On the morning of 11/20/20, Howard encountered what would be one of the most devastating events that have ever happened to him or any person. This day started like any other day for him. He was traveling to work on his normal route as he came across a familiar railroad crossing. He waited several minutes before crossing as usual. As he proceeded, he was struck by a train and was jolted into the air and what was left of the car landed into the adjacent field. Miraculously, Howard was able to place the phone call that saved his life.
With Howard barely breathing paramedics arrived on the scene. They saw the fragments of the car that remained and thought he was dead. Astonishingly, they heard him say, “I can’t open the door and I need to get out.” The miracle manifested; He is alive! The paramedics then rushed him to Norfolk Sentara hospital where he is placed in critical condition.
Howard sustained severe injuries to include fractured vertebrates in the neck, fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, a fractured tibia, a fractured collarbone, and lacerations on his liver and kidney.
Howard is an amazing man and he is so much to so many: A husband, a father, a hard-worker, and a primary provider to his family. Howard is the guy who brings joy to all and is skilled at putting a smile on someone’s face whether it is through telling a joke, giving a compliment, or sharing an encouraging word.
The most important title that Howard carries and cherishes is father. He would often say, “I do what I do because of my girls.” Howard’s adoration for his daughters is the best part of him. Not being able to devote his attention to his daughters due to being preoccupied with the sudden loss of income would negatively impact his girl’s emotional quality of life. Therefore, your support has far-reaching implications beyond tangible needs.
Now it is he that needs to be encouraged. Now it is he that is placed in a position of need. The family and I are asking for your support as the hospital bills are quickly piling and the bills of his household are soon to come. The road to recovery will be lengthy as we hope for him to regain his strength, mobility, and activity of his limbs. Doctors report that he will be out of work with no definitive return date and this could be detrimental to his family’s well-being. His ability to provide has been severely impacted. Reaching our goal will be built on the generosity and benevolence of the individuals who love him and those who understand unplanned hardships. The family and I are leaning on your humanity and understanding. Without hurting yourself, please do what you can to help.
https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/suffolk/accident-involving-norfolk-southern-train-in-suffolk/
Organizer and beneficiary
Wendell Towe
Organizer
Portsmouth, VA
Howard Vass
Beneficiary