
On November 18th, Zackary Kellogg was involved in a serious collision with a semi-truck while performing his duties as a full-time employee at FedEx. The vehicle was struck on the driver’s side, where Zack was positioned. Although he was secured by a seat belt and is currently in stable condition, he sustained substantial injuries requiring his family to travel to Seattle, Washington, for specialized medical care.
Zack and his wife, Madison, are in urgent need of financial assistance to manage an impending accumulation of medical expenses, travel costs, and living expenses, given that Zack will be unable to work for an extended duration. As the primary source of income for their young family, this situation presents a significant financial challenge, and any support would be greatly appreciated.
Due to the seriousness of his injuries, particularly those affecting his cervical spine, he was subsequently transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he underwent surgery the following morning. The surgical procedure lasted approximately 8 to 9 hours, and Zack remained at Harborview for about one week for recovery and monitoring.
Zack’s employer has demonstrated commendable support during this difficult time. They have coordinated with the state fund and workers’ compensation to ensure that his immediate needs are addressed. Additionally, they provided transportation for Zack, Madison, and their child to return home last Wednesday, along with hotel accommodations for Madison and family members during their stay near the hospital.
Zack’s injuries include fractured ribs and a fractured femur. The most significant concern lies with his cervical spine injuries, specifically a C2 fracture. The medical team implemented comprehensive cervical spine protocols to prevent further injury, ensuring Zack remained immobilized during treatment. Additionally, small plates were surgically implanted in the cervical vertebrae to stabilize the area and mitigate the risk of long-term spinal cord damage.
The GoFundMe campaign is currently performing well, having raised over $4,900, which constitutes approximately two-thirds of the fundraising goal. The family has been able to access some of these funds to address essential needs at home, including groceries and baby care.
At present, the primary concerns revolve around his long-term care and future employment opportunities, particularly regarding his level of disability and the process of returning to work.
A notable concern regarding his recovery was the necessity of lying flat in bed. However, a long-standing family friend donated a recliner, which has proven to be extremely beneficial for his comfort.
His employer is actively collaborating with the state and workers’ compensation to ascertain the process moving forward. An essential follow-up involves physical therapy, which is expected to be instrumental in determining the trajectory of his recovery.
He has demonstrated an ability to walk with minimal assistance and is not using a walker at this time, although he occasionally employs a cane. He is also capable of holding his head up for extended periods without assistance, which is noteworthy for a 23-year-old individual. Nevertheless, he continues to wear a neck brace to prevent any strain on his neck resulting from the injury.
If you would like to contribute to the recovery of Zackary Kellogg, please visit their GoFundMe page at https://fpc-go.com/bdm.