On October 15, 2012 Gary Evers was traveling west on Hwy. 14/61 just outside of Westby. He was stopped waiting to turn left onto Saugstad Rd. when his car was struck from behind by a second eastbound vehicle.
Upon impact, his vehicle was spun around into the westbound lane of traffic and directly into the path of a milk truck,. The milk truck was unable to avoid colliding with Evers’ car, which was then struck a second time.
Evers was wearing his seatbelt and both air bags in his car were deployed upon impact, but the double whammy crash left him with traumatic brain injuries. He was transported to Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, where specialists try to help his body reconnect with his brain.
The crash left Evers with diffuse axonal head injuries, similar to conditions suffered during shaken baby syndrome, where the impulse connections of the brain that travel down the neck and spinal column are sheared and disconnected from whiplash type movement.
Externally, Gary only received an abrasion on his head in the crash. His bones weren’t broken, but his ability to move was. He was unable to walk, talk, move his head or even breath on his own when he entered the hospital. After months of physical, occupational, speech, vibration and electronic stimulation therapy, Gary is making small strides forward.
The Coon Valley Lions is sponsoring a benefit for Gary and his family on Saturday, March 9, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Coon Valley American Legion Hall. There will be food, a live auction, Chinese auction, a raffle and live music.
For auction donations, please contact the Coon Valley Lions, Robert Starks at 608-606-9000 or Ron Hoff at 608-452-3392.
Donations can also be made at River Bank, C/O Gary Evers Benefit, 300 Central Ave., Coon Valley, 54623.
You can also go to the event’s Facebook page for more information.