A Miracle for a Future Astronaut

Please support Jack's recovery by helping to pay off his medical bills. All funds will be used for medical treatments, bills for his hospital stay, and recovery support.

Meet Jack: A Young Visionary with a Heart Full of Stars and a Spirit of Adventure

Before I delve into the harrowing ordeal that has brought us here, I want to introduce you to Jack, my son, a young man whose life is a tapestry of unique talents, passions, and dreams.

Jack has always had extraordinary qualities. Diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD, he navigated the world in his own special way, requiring homeschooling rather than the virtual prison of boredom he called traditional school. While social nuances sometimes eluded him, his intellect and creativity never ceased to amaze those around him.

At just 5 years old, his entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly as he confidently pitched his business, Stellar Technologies, to real investors (he wow’d the crowd, but at 5 I would not let him take the offered investments). That same year in his afterschool program of K-5 students, in a game of capture the flag, his team unanimously elected him team captain, because they wanted to win! He’s always had a gift at Military strategy.

His lifelong fascination with the cosmos led him to Space Camp, where he gazed at the stars with dreams of colonizing Mars.

Jack's journey has been beautifully complex. His involvement in the Civil Air Patrol and DeMolay showcased his commitment to leadership, community service, and personal development. These experiences honed his skills and shaped his character, reflecting his dedication to both his dreams and his responsibilities.

An avid gamer, Jack found joy and challenge in the virtual worlds he explored, first mastering Minecraft then Kerbel Space Program, where his fascination with physics and space kept his attention for hours. His knack for accents often turned our home into a stage, where he'd effortlessly slip into different characters, bringing laughter and lightness to our lives.

Jack's adventurous spirit was evident from the start. He was always climbing – not just mountains or trees, but anything he could set his sights on, including our 5,000 gallon water truck on the farm we lived on when we has 3. Since birth, it seemed he was determined to reach higher, to see the world from new perspectives. Maybe that’s because, as a cheerleader, I used to stand him on my hand and lift him over my head.

Now, as he faces the most daunting climb of his life, we remember these facets of Jack's life. They're not just pastimes or hobbies; they're reflections of his resilience, his courage, and his indomitable spirit. Now at 20, Jack, our little astronaut, our young CEO, our climber, and our smartypants kiddo, needs your help to surmount this new challenge.

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

On November 13, my son, Jack, just 20 years old, a brilliant mind with dreams as vast as the cosmos, has been through what can only be described as a nightmare.

Jack, my little astronaut, who once marveled at the stars at Space Camp, dreaming of colonizing Mars, recently faced a perilous ordeal here on Earth. He was involved in a horrific car accident. Not just the normal fender bender we as parents worry about every time they leave the house. The kind that give you nightmares.

As he was coming home from work, he entered the highway at one of the worst intersections in the state, where 3 lanes merge to two in a matter of seconds and then down to one an instant later. He misjudged his ability to enter and get to speed, and unfortunately, found himself sandwiched between a fuel tanker and concrete barriers, turning into a fiery prison.

As a mother, the terror of knowing your child is in danger is indescribable. The driver of the tanker fled, leaving my son to battle flames and suffocating smoke. With heroic effort, he tried to escape, but the power windows failed, and the car became an inferno.

In those last moments of despair, as he resigned himself to being burned alive,, a hero emerged, a stranger with an extinguisher, who kept the fire inside the car at bay and gave Jack the time and encouragement to fight his way out. He escaped, but not without injuries. The explosion that followed seconds later haunts my thoughts – a stark reminder of how fragile life is.

I was in Miami Beach when I got the call. The rush of fear, the frantic booking of the next flight to Reno – it's all a blur. I didn't fully grasp the gravity of his condition until I was by his side in the hospital watching the airway monitor constantly flashing a dangerous yellow. Then this past week, changing bandages, tending his burns, constantly monitoring for infection, and managing his medical appointments with all the specialists.

Jack is a fighter. At 5, he was a CEO, pitching to investors with a charisma that belied his normal social awkwardness due to Asperger's Syndrome. He's always been different – uniquely brilliant, a bit quirky, and endlessly courageous. Always able to converse intelligently with brilliant adults about complex issues and see solutions not obvious to others.

Now, he faces a different challenge. His recovery has been nothing short of a miracle. We've done all the right things and he has made huge strides in his recovery, and in the next few weeks should have a full clearance from the pulmonologist to go back to work! The plastic surgeon already said he will not need skin grafts and the scarring that is left is less than we could have ever hoped for! He proactively started looking at tattoos to cover the scars on his arms and neck – a testament to his resilience and spirit.

But we need your help. The medical expenses are extensive and just keep coming. The initial accident report has him at fault, despite the fact that he entered the intersection alone and the tanker was behind him. It’s a technicality we are unlikely to overcome. So that means there is no money from the accident to cover his ongoing needs. His own insurance only covered $1000 of his medical bills.

We've been blessed with a miracle – my son's life – and now we humbly ask for your support to help him through this journey.

Your donations will go primarily towards medical bills, then if possible a replacement vehicle, and car insurance. If you happen to have a 1997-2000 Toyota Rav4 in suitable condition collecting dust in the garage that you're willing to part with for <$3000, we'd love to take it off your hands.

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings him closer to a full recovery and, one day, reaching for the stars again.

We are eternally grateful for your support, your prayers, and your kindness. Together, we can help Jack embark on this journey of healing and hope.

With all my heart,

Adryenn