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Ouch Charlie, that looks like it really hurt
Donation protected
Hello! I'm Charlie Girard. During the day, I do communications for an organization that supports parents with trans youth. I also do stand-up, storytelling, and some other nonsense around DC.
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In March, I was in a freak bike accident that involved
- an ambulance ride,
- surgery,
- emergency dental work, and a
- BUNCH of medical bills.
Here's what happened:
- While riding my bike, the chain malfunctioned
- The bike and I stopped VERY abruptly
- I fell VERY hard on the pavement
- I got VERY injured
- Some passersby called an ambulance
- I stayed two nights in a hospital
- A lovely surgeon put some screws in my elbow
- A dentist wired my jaw shut for over a month (!)
- I found myself with almost $10,000 in medical bills
In short, this bike accident was not a great time and was actually pretty scary.
I remember realizing that my tire had stopped moving, understanding that I was about to fall, and then blacking out. The next thing I remember was staring at the front bumper of a car which had (THANKFULLY) stopped before running me over. The whole thing was a pretty wild freak accident and every day I'm grateful that I'm alive.
But, my injuries were pretty serious...
I had surgery on my elbow and will be in physical therapy for months trying to get a functional range of motion back. I also had my jaw wired shut (couldn't talk or eat solid food for over a month) and I need quite a bit of follow-up dental work. It has been, to put it lightly, a really really really not fun time.
Unfortunately, even with health insurance, I owe hospitals, surgeons, and other medical institutions almost $10,000.
Throughout this whole ordeal, I've been pretty outwardly positive and optimistic, but the reality of these medical bills feels pretty terrifying at the moment. I'm really hoping that my community and beyond can help out.
I am endlessly grateful for any financial help you can muster! And, I can't wait to give you a celebratory left-handed high five once my surgeon clears me for those.
If Venmo is easier for you, my Venmo is , and I'll manually update this site with anything that comes through on Venmo.
Thanks again!
Organizer
Charlie Girard
Organizer
Washington D.C., DC