Herman, loving husband to Natalie and stay-at-home dad to their three precious girls, ages 4, 7, & 9, is on life support after a tragic car accident. He was transferred to Atrium Medical Center’s Surgical Trauma ICU on life support after a horrific car accident that happened on Saturday, January 6th. Herman and the girls were headed to a Girl Scout cookie rally in the rain. He hydroplaned on the road and stopped when they hit a tree directly on the driver’s side door. It’s a miracle they survived and the girls walked away with only scratches and bruises as the truck was split in half by the tree and little Tahlia, their 4 year old, was sitting directly behind Herman who was driving. In addition to having multiple seizures during transport to the hospital, Herman’s injuries include a traumatic brain injury, a spinal injury, a punctured lung, four broken ribs, and a laceration above his left eye. As you can imagine, this is a lot on them all at once and they need support. So, how can you help? First and foremost, they need your prayers. Prayers that Herman recovers and returns to his normal, vibrant, and loving husband and daddy. Prayers that Natalie and the girls stay grounded and optimistic while dealing with the reality of the situation. Second, they could use your financial support. Medical bills will be coming, but right now they are dealing with the cost of hospital meals, Instacart to have groceries delivered to Natalie’s mom’s house where the girls are staying, lodging for Natalie to stay by the hospital while Herman is in ICU, and gas. The lodging is $50/night. Hospital meals are $10/meal. Traveling from hospital to home is 45 miles. So, the gas adds up. Instacart has a $35 minimum + service fees, and tip. There are links on this page for all the ways you can help and we truly appreciate anything you are able to do! We are asking everyone to help spread the word and share this page on ALL your social media platforms and with friends, family, and churches. Our goal is to get as many people praying and supporting as possible. However you are led, please SHARE! For those concerned about Natalie… She and the girls have had wonderful support from family - especially her sister - Christina, who is spearheading our support outreach. She's taking walks outside the hospital every day to get fresh air and move her body - to complete those stress cycles! It is very helpful. Mornings are difficult as the reality sets in every time she wakes up. She plans to stay in the ICU with Herman until he wakes up. She’s Facetiming the girls daily and visiting every few days, when possible, as they are with her mom. Please pray for her ability to share realistic information with them about their Daddy without creating more fear. So much is uncertain.
For anyone dropping off food at Natalie's house, her mom, Sandy and dad, Gary will be staying with the girls. Natalie and her sister Christina will be at the hospital with Herman. If you need to get in touch or want to be added to our group text updates, please send Christina a text at 704-906-9299. You can also signup to receive email updates on the Give In Kind page. We're trying to limit the number of one-off communications during this time. If you would like to contribute in other ways, gift cards are welcome for groceries and other essentials. Yes, Instacart does delivery to their home in Lancaster. Thank you all for the flood of prayers, kind words and generosity.