Hey everyone, my name is Harper, and I’m launching this fundraiser for my dear nephew, Robert, who is just 11 years old. On Tuesday, January 31, he was having a fun day off school with friends when he lost his footing while climbing a snowy hill. He slid further than anyone could predict and ended up on the street, where he was tragically struck by a car. Thankfully, the people around acted swiftly and with great care, and he was quickly airlifted to Blue Ridge Children’s Hospital.

Since that day, Robert has been in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, receiving constant care from a truly compassionate and skilled team of doctors, nurses, and specialists. He has endured multiple injuries: a broken arm (which has already been surgically repaired), a broken collarbone, a broken nose, fractures around his eye and facial bones, and most importantly, a severe concussion that has left him unconscious. While this situation is incredibly frightening, the medical team remains optimistic about his recovery.

If you know Robert, you know he’s kind-hearted and full of humor, always striving to make people smile—the kid is perfecting his dad jokes at just 11! He loves swimming year-round and is excited to take the stage for his first play this spring. Whatever his passion, he dives into it wholeheartedly. He has a natural ability to make everyone feel valued and included, whether he’s chatting with a new student at lunch, cheering on a nervous teammate, or engaging in friendly conversation with adults around him. His fearless, open-hearted spirit is contagious and draws everyone closer.

We don’t know when Robert will regain consciousness, how long he will remain in the hospital, or what his full path to recovery will look like. What we do know is he is a resilient young boy, surrounded by an extraordinary medical team, and his parents, Anna and Michael, are by his side every moment. Back home, Robert’s older brother Noah and their dog Max are being lovingly cared for by their grandparents, allowing Anna and Michael to stay close by.

Alongside the overwhelming emotional strain, the financial impact is already significant and continues to grow. Costs include:

• Emergency ambulance and helicopter transport (often ranging from $30,000 to $60,000+, with uncertain insurance coverage)
• His PICU stay with constant care (hospital bills can quickly reach thousands of dollars per day before insurance adjustments)
• Surgeries and medical procedures (specialists, imaging, anesthesia, and follow-up care add up rapidly)
• Future rehabilitation, specialist visits, and inpatient care (including physical, occupational, and speech therapy)
• Travel, meals, lodging, and time away from work for his parents as they stay close during this unpredictable journey

Even if we cannot foresee every expense, we know this will be a heavy burden. Our aim is to alleviate some of that stress, enabling Anna and Michael to focus solely on Robert’s healing without the added worry of financial strain.

If you are able to donate, we are profoundly grateful. If not, please consider sharing this fundraiser—it truly helps, and you never know who it might reach.

We will keep sharing updates as we learn more. Thank you for surrounding Robert, his brother Noah, and his parents, Anna and Michael, with your prayers, kindness, and hope during this challenging time.

With heartfelt love and gratitude,
Harper