Colton’s motorcycle tragedy, let him heal

**It's been a month and a half since colton accident and they still haven't been able to pick up the pieces. They have raised just over $2000 however that doesn't even cover 1 month of rent where they live. They need to move due to landlord selling and they need a new car as their last one stopped running and blew. To move is $6000 alone for first and last and a car is atleast $2000 to buy a cheap one.

They have back to school costs, groceries, bills and rent is due soon sept 1st again. This on top of trying to save to move and get a new car without his income has really put them into a bad place. We still are unsure when he can return to work and the coming months are just so unpredictable. They have 3 kids and pets as well. The family already wasn't able to do anything they planned to do throughout the summer and the kids went without and he just wants to get back to being his kids dad that can play and have fun. Let's help them raise some funds to cover upcoming expenses to alleviate some stress from finances. So grateful to those whom have donated and share everyday ❤️ we appreciate your kind hearts. Every $1 counts so don't feel bad if you can only donate $1, it is much appreciated and will go where it's needed. friends, family and kind hearted people.**

Hi my name is Wendy, and I am Colton’s mother in law.

We are reaching out today with heavy hearts asking for help with upcoming financial hardships due to this unfortunate accident. Please help this family get back to their normal after a devestating motorcycle accident in which almost consumed his life.

On July 19, 2023 Colton Balaga,the father of 3 children, and husband was on his way home from work when tragedy struck. He was injured badly in a motorcycle accident and fought extremely hard in the hospital to keep his life. He was rushed to Hamilton General Hospital trauma center where he substained multiple compound open fractures resulting in alot of blood loss and it being depleted from his body. Shattered open compound fracture of his femur, open fracture of the tibila, broken fibula and shattered foot and ankle. He also retained broken ribs and a brain bleed. After a 5 hour surgery to reconstruct his leg, if that wasn't all enough, his body wouldn't produce his own blood so he recieved multiple blood transfusions trying to bring his hemoglobin back up and he was on oxygen to help him stay alive.

His wife took a week off work to be in hospital with him unpaid, paid out over $700 in gas, food and parking just to be at the hospital as much as she could while they had 3 kids at home, also needing their parents. Due to the accident Colton will be unable to return to work for about a year.

Adding to their challenges on top of all of this they are also needing to move to a new house and they also need a new car as the one they have has pouched out and is done.

We are humbly asking for your support and assistance raising funds for the mountain of general expenses that are expected within the next few months. The future is uncertain and there is numerous medical procedures and treatments coming up on Colton's road of recovery. At this point all we can do is take it day by day.

Witnessing his condition and state has been heart-wrenching for all of us especially his wife and kids and is alot on Colton as his independence has been taken away. His wife, Desiree , after a long week was thankfully able to bring him back home but it doesn't stop here.

Now that he is home what does it mean? It means that there is about a year of recovery and a long long road for this young family.

The financial strain they are now facing is immense, as they navigate mounting bills, costs for living, and the uncertainties for the future. Colton will need PT, counselling, home equipment, a wheelchair, and undoubtedly all sorts of things we aren’t even aware of yet.

His wife is working longer hours to try and cover finances now that she has returned to work but she also needs to be at home with her husband being able to take care of him as he doesn't have the independence he once had and needs help at home.

We are asking for your support, both emotionally and financially, during this difficult time. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a tangible difference in easing the burden of financial expenses for Colton and Desiree.

Please keep Colton and his family in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate through this road is recovery. It's going to be very challenging, and your moral support will provide them with the strength and courage they need letting them know they aren't alone on this road of healing and rebuilding their lives. Colton is the type of person that jumps in no questions asked if you need help, even the shirt off his back if you’re cold.

Additionally, we encourage you to share their story with your friends, colleagues, and social networks to help raise awareness and garner additional support

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your compassion, generosity, and unwavering support.