Community raises funds for local man paralyzed in accident
More than 60 donors have raised thousands of dollars for a Hartselle family struck by tragedy last month.
Chad Hughey, a local agent with State Farm insurance, was involved in a multi-vehicle wreck Oct. 4. According to his page on GoFundMe, Hughey was stopped in traffic on Interstate 20/59 just outside of Birmingham when he was rear-ended by two vehicles and suffered life-changing injuries.
According to the post, Hughey is now paralyzed from the chest down, and he has already undergone multiple lifesaving surgeries.
“Over the last several weeks since the accident, Chad has remained in critical condition in the trauma ICU at UAB Hospital,” the post reads. “He has undergone several procedures and three major surgeries that have helped save his life and stabilize his condition.
“The good news is that Chad did not suffer any brain trauma. He is alert and communicating with family and friends and he has the use of both arms.”
Since the page was created Oct. 10, 67 donors have raised $5,965 of the goal of $25,000.
According to the crowdfunding page, Hughey will eventually be able to return to his life, but there’s currently “no end in sight” to his hospital stay. The purpose behind the fundraising campaign, according to organizer Chad Bingham, is to help Hughey’s family prepare for his journey home in the coming months.
“We are thankful for answered prayers and that Chad will eventually return to his life, however we recognize that the entire family will be adjusting to a new normal that will require many changes to accommodate Chad’s needs,” Bingham wrote. “Chad and Dana will have many decisions ahead of them and the hope is they will have the financial resources to do what is best for their family.
“Contributions will be used to help cover Dana’s expenses as she travels to and from Birmingham to be with Chad, support the cost of changes to their home and vehicles to allow for wheelchair access, and to help cover any medical support costs that extend past insurance coverage.”
Find the campaign page by searching “Chad Hughey Accident Expense Campaign” on www.gofundme.com.