I've spent my life working with my hands and doing whatever I can to earn an honest living. Asking other people for financial help isn't something that comes naturally to me, but after a serious accident left my leg badly broken, I know the road ahead is going to be difficult.

I was on a long motorcycle ride with friends when I was involved in a serious accident. I was taken to the hospital as an emergency and ended up staying there for a full week.

The damage to my left leg was severe. The bones between my ankle and knee were badly broken, and I needed surgery to repair them. Doctors placed a metal plate and 16 screws in my leg, including hardware near my foot. I'm still dealing with significant back pain from the impact, and getting around on crutches has been a challenge.

I'm grateful to be here, but recovery is going to take time.

I'm a mechanic by trade and the owner of Tovars Automotive. Fixing cars isn't just how I make a living—it's what I know and what I love doing. I've built my business around helping people keep their vehicles running, and I'm the person my customers depend on to figure out what's wrong and get them safely back on the road.

I've always been willing to work for what I have. I'll fix cars, take on other jobs, even cut grass if that's what it takes to make money. But right now, my injuries make that kind of physical work nearly impossible.

Doctors have told me I could be out of work for several months, possibly as long as six months. When you own a small business, if you can't be there working, the financial impact is immediate—and the bills don't stop just because you're hurt.

I'm also a father of three children, and my family means everything to me.

Funds raised through HelpVy will help with my medical and everyday living expenses while I continue healing and work toward getting back on my feet—and back to the business I've worked so hard to build.

If you're able to donate or share my story, I would be truly grateful.

Hector Tovar ❤️🙏