On October 3, 2026, my girlfriend, Karen, and I were involved in a serious accident that left both of us injured and facing a difficult road ahead.

We were both transported by ambulance for medical care.

Karen suffered a severe fracture to her right foot, a broken right ankle, broken ribs on her right side, cuts, extensive bruising, and numerous abrasions. Her broken ankle added another serious injury to what was already expected to be a difficult recovery.

I suffered fractures to my right hand and fingers, a fracture in my lower spine and back, two broken bones in my left shoulder, and numerous cuts and abrasions throughout my body. My right hand became severely swollen and discolored, and the injuries to my back and shoulder have made recovery even more difficult.

Doctors have told me that I will be unable to work for at least eight weeks, possibly longer depending on how I heal.

For me, being unable to work is especially difficult.

I am an Army veteran, having enlisted when I was 17 years old. Today, I work as a peer support specialist for a nonprofit veterans organization in San Francisco, helping other veterans navigate challenges in their own lives.

Supporting veterans is work that means a great deal to me, and I want nothing more than to recover and get back to the people I serve.

Karen is also working hard toward her future. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in sociology through Project Rebound, and now she is trying to continue moving forward while recovering from serious injuries of her own.

I have been riding bikes for more than 50 years, starting when I was just 15 years old. Riding and the motorcycle community have been a major part of my life for decades. Within that community, I am known as 1% Cossacks Probate Smitty.

After more than five decades of riding, facing injuries like these has been incredibly difficult, both physically and emotionally.

My faith has also been an important part of my life. After everything Karen and I survived, I am incredibly grateful that we are both still here.

Right now, however, the financial pressure is very real. With both of us injured and me unable to work for at least eight weeks, the bills do not stop while we recover.

Funds raised through HelpVy will help with our medical and everyday living expenses while Karen and I heal and work toward getting our lives back on track.

If you are able to donate or share our story, we would be deeply grateful.

Calvin Smith and Karen ❤️🙏🇺🇸