Medical Expenses for Diego Hernandez

Dear Friends - On Saturday, March 9, just 2 days after his 25th birthday, my dear friends' Linda and Denny Howard's grandson, Diego Hernandez (full name Diego Sebastian Hernandez Zapata, also known to friends and family as “Sebo,” “Sebas,” and “Seabass”) was driving to the Oregon coast when he was hit head-on by a deliberately reckless driver who eyewitnesses said was weaving in and out of traffic on the narrow, 2-lane road, and who evidently caused at least one other accident before slamming into Diego.

Diego’s car was so badly damaged that he had to be mechanically removed. His injuries were so severe that he was Life-Flighted to the nearest hospital. Within hours, he was transferred to a trauma hospital in Portland, where he remains in the ICU under heavy sedation. He has undergone surgery for a badly broken femur and will soon undergo surgery to have a rod to stabilize a broken pelvis. He has facial injuries that may require surgery and severe, possibly permanent damage to his eyes from chemicals in the airbag. He faces a serious risk of losing his vision.

Diego faces a long road to recovery. His family will face expenses related to this accident that will not be covered by insurance, including travel to Portland, lodging and meals while there, insurance deductibles and copays, physical therapy, bills Diego will now not be able to pay, future specific housing needs, and other things it’s too soon to know about.

Many people have asked how they can help support Diego and his parents, Dan and Jessica. A donation in any amount is helpful and sincerely appreciated. On behalf of the family, I will continue to keep you posted! With love and gratitude, Erin.