Help with Medical Expenses for Karen Sofolo
Donation protected
Update - 4/1/20
I spoke with Karen this morning and it was so good to hear her voice. She continues to be a bright, positive light in this world despite everything she is going through! Karen has her next and what she hopes is her final surgery tomorrow morning. Keith had his first of many outpatient surgeries yesterday to repair and reconstruct his facial bones. Karen asked me let everyone know how much she appreciates the incredible outpouring of support she and her family have experienced since the accident. She would also like everyone to know how amazing all of the OSF St. Anthony Medical Center staff have been, especially considering the stress of the COVID-19 Pandemic. She shared that because of the hospital's current no visitor policy due to COVID-19, the hospital staff have truly become like family to her, providing incredible support in her most difficult moments. Karen's own sister, Cindy Gehant, is a nurse at Mercy, and Karen appreciates all that she and all of the dedicated and caring medical staff everywhere are doing. She asks that we all keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I will continue to update with progress and also with the family's financial needs as they begin to sort through it all.
On Saturday, March 13th, Karen, her husband, Keith, and two of their three children were involved in a terrible, head on boat collision in Florida. Karen and Keith both suffered life threatening injuries. Karen broke both bones in both of her lower legs and her left leg was severed but was able to be re-attached surgically. So far she has had five surgeries with another scheduled for later this week. She was able to be transported via ambulance from a Florida Hospital to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford on March 20th. It is uncertain at this time how long Karen will remain in the hospital or what her rehabilitation will entail, although it will likely be long and difficult. She was told that she would not be able to put weight on either of her legs for at least three months. She is hopeful that she will make a complete recovery. Karen’s husband also suffered significant injuries, including a severe concussion, several broken ribs, a broken hand and numerous facial fractures. He had his first surgery on March 31st and will require many additional surgeries in the months ahead. Thankfully their two children (ages 16 and 20) who were also in the accident, suffered only minor injuries.
This fundraiser has been created to help support Karen and her family with some significance medical costs not covered by insurance, as well as medical equipment and supplies needed to make her house handicapped accessible for when she is released from the hospital. The reality of this is, we could have lost Karen that day. Her son and husband literally saved her life. We are so grateful! Karen is a wonderful and caring person. She's a great wife, mother, sister and friend to so many. And as a social worker at Harlem High School, she is well loved and respected by both students and staff. We are asking you to make any donation you are able to, to let Karen know that, even though no one is able to visit her in the hospital, she is not alone in this long journey to recovery. We also ask that you keep Karen in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Please feel free to share this page with others!
I spoke with Karen this morning and it was so good to hear her voice. She continues to be a bright, positive light in this world despite everything she is going through! Karen has her next and what she hopes is her final surgery tomorrow morning. Keith had his first of many outpatient surgeries yesterday to repair and reconstruct his facial bones. Karen asked me let everyone know how much she appreciates the incredible outpouring of support she and her family have experienced since the accident. She would also like everyone to know how amazing all of the OSF St. Anthony Medical Center staff have been, especially considering the stress of the COVID-19 Pandemic. She shared that because of the hospital's current no visitor policy due to COVID-19, the hospital staff have truly become like family to her, providing incredible support in her most difficult moments. Karen's own sister, Cindy Gehant, is a nurse at Mercy, and Karen appreciates all that she and all of the dedicated and caring medical staff everywhere are doing. She asks that we all keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I will continue to update with progress and also with the family's financial needs as they begin to sort through it all.
On Saturday, March 13th, Karen, her husband, Keith, and two of their three children were involved in a terrible, head on boat collision in Florida. Karen and Keith both suffered life threatening injuries. Karen broke both bones in both of her lower legs and her left leg was severed but was able to be re-attached surgically. So far she has had five surgeries with another scheduled for later this week. She was able to be transported via ambulance from a Florida Hospital to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford on March 20th. It is uncertain at this time how long Karen will remain in the hospital or what her rehabilitation will entail, although it will likely be long and difficult. She was told that she would not be able to put weight on either of her legs for at least three months. She is hopeful that she will make a complete recovery. Karen’s husband also suffered significant injuries, including a severe concussion, several broken ribs, a broken hand and numerous facial fractures. He had his first surgery on March 31st and will require many additional surgeries in the months ahead. Thankfully their two children (ages 16 and 20) who were also in the accident, suffered only minor injuries.
This fundraiser has been created to help support Karen and her family with some significance medical costs not covered by insurance, as well as medical equipment and supplies needed to make her house handicapped accessible for when she is released from the hospital. The reality of this is, we could have lost Karen that day. Her son and husband literally saved her life. We are so grateful! Karen is a wonderful and caring person. She's a great wife, mother, sister and friend to so many. And as a social worker at Harlem High School, she is well loved and respected by both students and staff. We are asking you to make any donation you are able to, to let Karen know that, even though no one is able to visit her in the hospital, she is not alone in this long journey to recovery. We also ask that you keep Karen in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Please feel free to share this page with others!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kellie Armato Hood
Organizer
Rockford, IL
Karen Sofolo
Beneficiary