Help the Waltons Overcome Their Crisis

Please support the Walton family in the wake of a devastating accident

On May 25th, 2024, Kevin and Caitlin Walton, along with two passengers, were in a horrific accident when their side-by-side utility terrain vehicle was struck on the passenger side by a van. (The information in this post will only discuss Kevin and Caitlin out of respect for the privacy of the passengers who were also involved in this accident.) At approximately 3pm on Saturday, as the group of UTVs riding together came to a crossing, Kevin pulled forward to lead the group across the highway. It is still unclear what happened next, but Kevin and Caitlin’s UTV was t-boned at highway speed of travel by a van. Caitlin took the brunt of the impact in the passenger’s seat. Kevin was in the driver’s seat and sustained significant injuries. After arriving at the scene, paramedics performed life-saving measures on Caitlin, who was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Eau Claire for emergency surgery. Kevin was intubated and emergency transported from Rice Lake to Marshfield, where medical staff determined his injuries were not life threatening. Caitlin’s condition was categorized as ‘catastrophic’ and was placed on life support, with around-the-clock care and surgery to increase chances of survival.

Caitlin Walton is a fighter. At 30, she works as a social worker for the Chippewa County Department of Health Services, advocating for her clients in a way that demonstrates she believes in the inherent value of all people, and sees and supports their well-being and growth.

Caitlin is a mother to three children. Their youngest is now 3 months old, and her daughters are 9 and 11. Caitlin’s family is her heart. She and her husband Kevin met when she was in college, finishing an associate’s degree before going on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Superior to earn a BA in Social Work. She accomplished this while raising two daughters and commuting 90 minutes each way, four times per week, for two years.

Caitlin chose to pursue studies and a career in Social Work in part because of Kevin’s struggles with addiction in his own life. Her love for Kevin inspired her to find ways to alleviate the stigma associated with addiction and mental health challenges. Her love for her family drives her to move mountains for the people who need it most, which in turn makes the world a kinder, better place for everyone, especially those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. For her, social work was not just a job or an occupation — it was a calling and a mission. As she finished her degrees, Caitlin worked as an in-home-care supporter to help provide for their family. To her credit, and as a reflection of Caitlin’s tenacity, she pursued her education all the way through to receiving her master’s in social work and licensure as an advanced practice social worker, credentials that were a source of great pride to Caitlin and her family. Her career as a licensed professional began as an intern at the Chippewa County Department of Health Services which then led to a full-time position with the department.

It is this writer’s experience that Caitlin has saved the lives of many of her clients. In one instance, Caitlin fought for a pregnant mother who was unhoused. The conditions this mother was exposed to were very likely going to end her pregnancy, and maybe also the mother’s life. Through every twist and turn, Caitlin was committed to securing the necessary resources and a safe, healthy environment for this woman and her child. She succeeded, and those two individuals now have a chance at a better life. Caitlin would never take credit for helping someone, though, because she sees her remarkable generosity as the norm.

A superhero at work, people who know Caitlin personally can attest to her warmth, kindness, and love for life. She and Kevin will travel just about anywhere for a good food truck, and she loves trying new, adventurous, or rare foods. She loves family game nights, watching comedies and romcoms with her husband, and true crime documentaries after the kids go to bed. When Kevin proposed to her, she was sitting on a chair at HOM furniture, and began crying when he got down on one knee. In between joyful tears, she had to remind him to put the engagement ring on her finger, because he had forgotten in the midst of his nerves.

In all of Kevin’s struggles, Caitlin was right there beside him. She would do anything for the people in her life, and now, more than ever, she needs our support.

In addition to the stress, uncertainty, and grief surrounding Caitlin’s injuries and health, there is the added burden of mounting medical bills for her current hospitalization and long-term recovery and care. Kevin is now the household's sole provider. He already works two jobs to provide for their family, yet they will still fall very short financially because a two-income household will now have only one income for the foreseeable future. They will need additional funds to cover insurance co-pays for the hospital bills, which are currently over $5 million and accumulating daily. Likewise, eventually the family will need to cover childcare for the three-month-old baby (for now, a daycare center is providing short-term care at no cost, which they are eternally grateful for), as well as caring for their two pre-teen children and ongoing household expenses.

Please donate what you’re able to in order to help this family stay afloat through this very difficult time. Every contribution is a small miracle, and is infinitely appreciated by Kevin, their three children, and their extended family.