Support the Tatum-Lehman Family's Urgent Medical Needs

Support the Tatum-Lehman Family in Need – Every Helping Hand Makes a Difference

Life can change in an instant. A family that has worked hard, loved deeply, and given so much to their community now finds themselves in a moment of urgent need. The Tatum/Lehman family are in urgent need.

This is where we come in. All donations go straight away to the Tatum-Lehman family. No middle person. Part of the strength of Go Fund Me.

When tough times hit, the strength of a family extends beyond blood—it includes friends, neighbors, and kindhearted strangers who believe in lifting each other up. Your support, no matter how big or small, can bring hope, stability, and relief to a family that truly needs it. Every donation goes directly toward ensuring they have the essentials. Michelle took weeks off from work while Rick was in ICU, and will need to take time off from work to continue to care for Rick, taking him to doctor's appointment, physical therapy, etc. They are needing to retrofit their home to accommodate for Rick's current disability since his accident. Materials and labor for the new ramp, expanding the bathroom doorway, adding grab bars, etc. are immediately needed.

We are hoping to raise enough money for the necessary time off from work for doctors’ appts, accruing medical expenses, and for additional specialists not covered by insurance. Be great to pay someone to give the house a big clean, and just to take the pressure off of them financially while they get adjusted to the extra help Rick needs. Given Rick's condition, he will need continued medical care that will not covered by insurance.

Rick's accident: Rick was in a bad bicycle accident when his bicycle collided with a car on December 15 after meeting Michelle for lunch. He was taken to the emergency room by ambulance and woke up in the Intensive Care Unit, and has been in unbearable pain since. He was in the ICU until January 8. On January 10 he was moved to a physical rehab hospital.

Rick suffered the following injuries:

Broken neck (C1, C3, and C4)

3 broken ribs on his left side

Left broken (3 fractures)

Fractured pelvis

Fractured tailbone

Right leg fractured

Facial fractures

The first day he had surgery on his neck, whereby they’ve fused C1 and C2. He suffered a small stroke in that area hours after the surgery, losing function in his right arm and right leg.

Five days later, after he had stabilized, he had his left leg screwed back together, and had his pelvis fractures set with bolts, essentially.

He has been regaining movement and strength in both right arm and right leg, miraculously.

He has a large wound on his left leg that is healing slowly, and will continue to receive wound care for the next couple of months.

He is in a neck brace, and has been getting used to wheelchair mobility. He is slated to return home on February 7th, which another reason that is urgent that their home be retrofitted for his wheelchair, ramp, expanding the bathroom doorway, grab bars, et.

It will be 2-3 months before he can begin weight-bearing work for a return to walking.

And a lot of medical bills and continuing physical therapy are on the horizon.

Rick is an Oklahoma City native, and a UT grad. Rick spent his career as an IATSE theatrical technician, touring with the Joffrey ballet in the 80s, and a score of Broadway shows. He had some time on the industrial circuit, working for auto shows, and consumer electronic shows. During his career Rick had a couple of stints working as Production Manager and as the house carpenter at The Paramount Theatre in Austin.

If you’re able, please consider contributing to help this wonderful family get back on their feet. And if you can’t donate, sharing this campaign can make just as big of an impact. Together, we can make a real difference.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. ❤️