I can't believe I'm sitting here writing this story. On Friday, September 4, 2026, what started as a simple trip to get dinner for my kids turned into a serious motorcycle accident that changed everything in a matter of seconds.

I was riding my motorcycle when I was involved in an accident with another vehicle. I was taken to the hospital, where doctors determined that I had suffered a spinal fracture of my L4 vertebra, along with other injuries that required numerous stitches. I spent a couple of days in the hospital before I was finally able to return home.

After everything that happened, I just wanted to be home, surrounded by my family and sleeping in my own bed. Going through something like this makes you appreciate the simple things you normally take for granted. Walking through my front door and seeing the people I love meant more to me than I can explain.

Now I'm beginning to understand just how much this accident and my recovery could affect our family. I'm a self-employed contractor, and my livelihood depends on my ability to physically work. With a fractured vertebra, I need to give my body the time it needs to heal, but being unable to work normally creates tremendous financial uncertainty.

My family is everything to me. I've been blessed to share my life with my loving wife, Sarah, for 20 years, and together we have our amazing children. I've always worked hard to provide for them. I never imagined that a simple Friday-night trip to pick up dinner for my kids would end with me in the hospital with a fractured spine.

I've always tried to be the first person to help someone else and the last person to ask for help myself. That's what makes writing this so difficult. I'm much more comfortable offering someone a hand than being the person who needs one. But right now, my priority has to be healing and taking care of my family.

That's why I'm starting this HelpVy campaign. The funds raised will help with my medical expenses and our everyday living expenses while I recover and work toward being physically able to return to my job.

If you're able to donate, Sarah, our children, and I would be incredibly grateful. If you're unable to contribute financially, sharing my story would mean just as much.

Thank you for standing beside me and my family during this difficult time.

Travis Smith ❤️🙏🏍️