Artist and Trucker Loses Arm Helping Family

Hi, my name is Derek. My family and I are raising money for my niece Kristen who had a horrific 18-wheeler accident on Monday, May 1, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky. Kristen is 33 years old, and the only child of my sister Dina. She has always been a good and grateful child who hasn't caused one second of trouble to the family throughout her lifetime. She had just returned home about a week prior and only taken this job to do something about the homeless situation that her disabled mother had recently encountered.

The accident resulted in the loss of her right arm which was torn off just below the shoulder as she was ejected from the semi. It was also broken in two places at the forearm. As she hit the ground, the truck landed on her left leg... trapping her. The result of this was both her femur and shin bones being broken.

By the grace of GOD, first responders showed up almost immediately to render aid. A police officer tied off her arm to prevent her from inevitably bleeding out. She was trapped for 45 minutes while they awaited a wrecker to lift the truck. The brave firefighters and police officers lifted the truck just enough for her to be pulled out and she was rushed to the hospital. The incredible medical team at the University of Louisville Hospital was able to reattach her right arm - which required a vein to be used from her right leg. And, they are confident that her left leg can be repaired with rods and pins.

We are completely grateful that she survived and have no doubt that she is still here for a greater purpose. But, she is far from outta the woods. She has a marathon of surgeries, therapy, and rehabilitation ahead of her, as well as the need for psychological help to deal with the fact that she was awake and completely aware during the entire accident.

Being a truck driver was never an aspiration of Kristen. She went to truck driving school as a means to an end because it would allow her to make enough money to concentrate on being an artist. She has been drawing and painting for the majority of her life. What's troublesome about all of this, and worries her the most is that she is right-handed. The doctor has said that it will never be 100% again. But, we believe in the same type of miracles that kept her alive to continue. We're living on faith and feel as though she will be the exception to the norm.

Our entire little family dropped everything and flew out to Louisville to be with her during this ordeal, and whatever else was to come. We each brought a carry-on bag containing a few clothing items. We've been surviving on fast food and traveling back and forth using Lyft. We have been very blessed and lovingly accommodated by the wonderful people here in Louisville. However, we must find long-term housing and furnishings, get transportation, clothing, etc.

She does not have health insurance to cover her medical bills. Also, she was an independent contractor as opposed to a company driver, so there would be no worker's compensation. All proceeds donated will be greatly appreciated and go toward assisting Kristen in her recovery, as well as completing the task she set out to accomplish when she took the job that led to this terrible accident. For anyone who can't donate, please share this story. And, prayers are always appreciated.

Very special thanks and gratitude go out to:

The entire staff at the University of Louisville Hospital - Paramedics, Helicopter Pilots, Doctors, Nurses, Custodians, Security, and Cafeteria Workers

The Louisville Police Department

The Louisville Fire Department

The Louisville Red Cross

Wayside Christian Mission

The Hotel Louisville (for accommodating us at a reasonable price during Kentucky Derby week)

And, everyone who has said a prayer for Kristen during this dire time.

Our family is eternally grateful for all that you have done and continue to do.

Below are some pictures.

***WARNING: Some are very graphic.***