On September 15, 2026, my wife Dawna and I were involved in a serious accident just a couple of blocks from our home.

What makes that day even harder to process is that I had just picked Dawna up after she had spent four days in the hospital. We thought we were finally heading home together. Instead, shortly afterward, she was being taken right back to the hospital by ambulance.

Dawna suffered a broken left foot, a fractured middle finger, and extensive bruising across her chest, stomach, and back. She's home now, but she can do very little on her own. We've had to get a scooter, walker, and other equipment just so she can safely move around the house, and we're still working on getting a wheelchair and finding a way to safely get her in and out of our home.

I've been injured and sore as well and am continuing medical follow-up, but my biggest concern is taking care of Dawna. I've had to step away from work because she needs me here.

I've worked as a supervisor in paper manufacturing for 21 years, and Dawna has spent much of the past 20 years working in education. She currently works as a paraprofessional with special-needs students, including children with autism. She loves those kids, and being away from her classroom at the beginning of a new school year has been especially difficult. 

Dawna and I have been married for 30 years. We have two grown children and four grandchildren, and family has always been at the center of our lives.

We're usually the ones helping others, so asking for help isn't easy.

Funds raised through HelpVy will help with our medical and everyday living expenses while Dawna heals and I continue caring for her.

If you're able to donate or share our story, our family would be incredibly grateful.

Steve & Dawna Nacinovich ❤️🙏