One can never be certain about what troubles life may bring.
The Connell family of Bruce Mines - Kevin and Katie, along with their young sons Jake and Zak - is currently going through its share of trouble, and family friend Amy Lawrence, also of Bruce Mines, is hoping to deliver some needed help.
For a start, nine-year-old Jake recently underwent surgery to repair a detached retina.
Kevin, a self employed truck driver who delivers logs throughout Algoma, is currently unable to work, recovering from injuries sustained in a frightening collision.
Katie works while Kevin recovers at home from his injuries while also concerned over their two sons’ well being, particularly Jake’s.
“When their son recently had surgery I messaged Katie and I asked ‘is Jake able to go out for Halloween?’ and she said no. So I put together some treat bags and then I thought I would reach out to some of my friends to see if they were also willing to put together some treats for these two kids. I got quite the haul of candy and I took it to them the afternoon of Halloween and they were just so excited,” Lawrence said.
“On my way home from their place I got a message from Katie saying ‘thank you so much, you made this Halloween really special for my boys’ and she sent me videos of them going through all the candy.”
Lawrence said doctors are not certain what quality of vision Jake will have as he recovers from surgery, going to Toronto for post surgery check ups.
“Katie’s stressed out about that...so I thought I’d do up a little care package. I took it to her on Thursday of last week (Nov. 4). On Monday morning (Nov. 8) a lady messaged me and said ‘Amy, have you heard about Kevin?’ I instantly thought ‘this can’t be good.’”
Kevin was driving on Highway 554, hauling logs to Nairn Centre, when foggy travelling conditions led to a single vehicle collision in which his truck rolled.
“His truck was upside down. He was pinned behind the steering wheel and his one leg was jammed and he couldn't get it out. Diesel fuel started pouring all over his body. He was worried about the truck catching fire and not being able to get out,” Lawrence said.
Another man, also known to Lawrence, arrived on scene and pulled Kevin out the truck’s passenger window.
Police and EMS arrived, Kevin taken to Thessalon Hospital.
“We’re all very thankful he was able to make it out alive,” Lawrence said.
He has a fractured ankle, his leg in a cast.
Currently, with checkups for Jake after his eye surgery and Kevin currently unable to work - his truck, on which he relied to haul logs for his livelihood damaged beyond repair, Kevin waiting for an insurance payment to help cover the loss - the Connell family needs help.
Their emotions - and in the case of Kevin and Jake, their bodies - are hurting.
Lawrence launched a GoFundMe campaign for the family Nov. 8, the same day of Kevin’s accident, upon Katie’s approval.
“I said ‘you still have bills to pay and insurance isn’t going to happen overnight.’ They’re very thankful.”
The GoFundMe campaign has already passed its fundraising goal of $10,000, collecting $11,550 as of Saturday morning.
“I don’t feel like it’s a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, but to them it is, which is great,” Lawrence said.
Given the circumstances, Lawrence said “Jake is actually a happy-go-lucky kid. He has to keep his head down and not lift his head until the end of this week (to avoid too much light, which would cause further damage to his eye). He has to wait one full month after the surgery before he can go back to regular activities (returning to school next week).”
Lawrence said Kevin “seems to be okay.”
Lawrence said he suffers emotionally, however, from the memory of being covered in diesel fuel in the collision, fearing his truck would burn while he was trapped inside.
“I think Katie is holding up okay. I think they’re really overwhelmed, and she said it’s brought on pretty much any emotion you can imagine, but for the most part I think they feel they’re pretty fortunate, happy with where they're at and taking things one day at a time.”
Lawrence said the ordeal has brought herself and the Connell family closer together.
“I don’t like to see anyone suffer. I feel like if I was ever in that situation, I would hope that someone would reach out and help me in the same way.”
“Everything is so uncertain these days. Your life is not guaranteed and this really hit close to home for them. It really puts things into perspective when something like this happens. I think sometimes we take things for granted and this sort of thing grounds us a little bit more.”
“I thought someone has to do something...they’re a young family. They’re a great family. They would do anything for anyone, so we have to give back.”