Hope for Jared

On Saturday, October 2, 2021 at approximately 3:30am, Jared Howard, of Portage Indiana was a victim of a hit and run. Jared was walking home from work at a local pub. Thankfully, there was a bystander who was able to contact 911 almost immediately. Jared sustained life threatening head trauma. He was life flighted to the University of Chicago Hospital and Medical Center where he was immediately taken into surgery. Jared is still fighting for his life with his mother and father by his side. The days continue to be touch and go and very taxing on him as well as the family. The hospital rules only allow for 2 visitors listed per day and one to stay at his side overnight. Currently his older sister and younger brother, 4 adoring grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins all getting updates as they are able. Jared is loved by so many.

Jared faces additional surgeries and will, at best estimate, require at least 3 months in the hospital. He has not woken from the trauma and has undergone major surgery to remove clots from his brain and will require future surgeries to complete and close the initial procedure.

Jared is an Air Force Veteran. A son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend to so many. He is a soon to be father with the anticipated birth of a daughter in December. He was new to the pub, and although he had only been working there for 3 days, the manager of the establishment has let the family know that Jared had already made such an impact and touched so many employees and patrons alike that all have been devastated by this event. He is always welcoming and willing to try to help anyone if he is able.

Jared’s parents are currently faced with extreme unexpected expense and have months more of this to come. Simply being by their son’s side awaiting any sign of good news for his return to them carries costs for parking, meals, hotel stay and travel. They will be unable to return to their careers for some time, for at least many weeks if not months. The financial struggle is one that we as family and friends are asking for assistance to carry. Joshua and Wendy are hard working and have never asked or taken financial support or gain from anyone, but we as their family and friends know this is the only burden we can try and take on for them at this time and know they would do nothing less for anyone in their lives in a similar situation.

Additionally, Jared will of course be faced with mounting and unending medical bills from this initial emergency and continued medical care. The extent of the damage or permanency of life altering effects is unknown. We all are in constant prayer for full recovery. We are praying and believing there will be no permanent or lasting deficits to Jared. We pray for these amazing medical professionals that have him in their care. They have proven with their time, compassion, and care that this is their calling and the Family has full faith in them.

Finally, the police are committed to providing answers, and finding the person who has done this. The family is fully focused on Jared, on him being able to come out of sedation, being able to open his eyes, move a finger, breathe, anything to show he will come back to them. The person responsible will be found and the family is placing their faith in the Portage Police to handle that side of this tragic night, and we hold them in prayer as well.

Thank you to all the family, friends and co-workers who have already shown their support and all the prayers. Joshua and Wendy are so grateful to all of you.

Please share as you feel led.

#JaredStrong