Car Accident Fundraiser for Amber and Stanley

On June 6, 2023, while on our way to visit the Shedd Aquarium, my 7-year-old son, Stanley, and I got in a car accident in downtown Chicago. The other vehicle slammed full speed into the rear passenger side of my car, where Stanley was sitting in his car seat, and the impact caused us to spin 180 degrees. Stanley, who has autism, cerebral palsy and a compromised immune system due to undergoing a liver transplant as a baby, was placed in a neck brace and taken via ambulance to Lurie Children's Emergency Department for medical attention. Fortunately, he was cleared to be released after a few hours, but we were saddled with a $3,178 tab from the City of Chicago for the ambulance ride, along with a $300 invoice from the hospital. In addition, my 2006 Acura was totaled, forcing me to deplete my savings for a down payment on a reliable replacement vehicle, which means I am unable to pay my $4,702 IRS bill, putting me in the hole for a total of $8,180.

This financial setback comes after a difficult year full of significant life changes, including getting a divorce and moving into my own apartment. I was looking forward to beginning my next chapter and had just started saving money toward a down payment for a house that Stanley and I could call home when the accident occurred. Now that dream has been pushed back several years as I dig myself out of debt.

I'm hoping this fundraiser will help get me back on track to reaching my goal of owning a house where I can comfortably take care of Stanley and tend to his special needs for as long as I'm physically capable. I'm also planning to set up an ABLE account and/or a supplemental needs trust to assist in covering Stanley's living expenses without affecting his access to public benefits, so any money raised above my initial request will go directly to him.

I am beyond grateful that the only injuries sustained in the car accident were to my wallet and truly appreciate donations of any amount that people can contribute. Thanks for your support!