Community assists men injured in 422 accident
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Community members are helping out a family after a son and his stepfather were severely injured in an accident on Route 422 last week.
According to police reports, the 18-year-old man had been driving when his vehicle ran out of gas. The man’s 43-year-old stepfather later came to the scene to bring him gas.
A tow truck pulled over with flashing lights to signal drivers that the disabled vehicle was on the shoulder. As the men were filling the tank, both were both struck by a driver who did not see them in time. A medical helicopter took the stepfather to a nearby hospital.
The father suffered a broken leg in addition to a severe open leg wound and the son suffered from a two broken legs. Both men will require surgeries, according to their family.
The family of the two men have requested that their names be left out due to the ongoing accident investigation.
Community members are now stepping up to help the family.
Stefanie Holbrook and Derek Cossaboon, administrator for the popular Facebook page 422 Sucks, created the GoFundMe page to assist with the medical expenses the two men will incur.
“I really felt for their family after seeing the accident on the news, so
when Derek mentioned he wanted to start a fundraiser for them I was more than happy to help him set it up and run it,” said Holbrook. “I don’t want to take any credit from the 422 Sucks guys, but I’m just thankful they gave me the opportunity to help any way I could.”
Holbrook has been in contact with the men’s family and has been periodically receiving updates on their conditions.
“Due to major leg trauma, husband is undergoing a 3rd surgery as of today. Will have a long road ahead of him to be up and moving again. And son is moving forward from surgery and is doing as best as can be expected. He is now in rehab and will have an extremely long road ahead of him as well,” read the update provided by the family to Holbrook.
The page was set up on Sept. 25 and has a goal of $10,000.
The amount has currently reached $865 donated by 39 people and the page has been shared 656 times.
In addition, a Cut-A-Thon is being held at Mentality Barber Shop, 480 Lancaster Ave. Malvern, from which all the proceeds will be donated to the family. The fundraising event will take place on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and donations are welcome.
“This is what you do as a community, you come together and help others in need. Doesn’t matter if you know them or not, it’s about being there for others and supporting them like you’d hope they’d be there to support you,” said Holbrook.