Pray for Eric Helmbold's Family
Update from Eric Helmbold...
Thirty-four days ago (as I write this), our family was thrown into a violent crash on the way home from Arizona. Ashley (Luke's fiance) — beloved to us all, but especially to our son Luke — perished upon impact. Luke shattered his L4 vertebra and was medevacked to a trauma center, where he received emergency back surgery that resulted in spinal fusion with rods and hardware. We lost one of our dogs, but the other was miraculously rescued after surviving 10 days alone in the desert without food or water. Jana broke four ribs, I sustained minor fractures in my hand, and Ryan was badly bruised.
We spent 11 days at the hospital in Arizona with Luke. God sent friends and loved ones who stayed by our side the entire time. Initially, Luke could not move his left leg. By the time we left, he was able to drag his foot and walk a few feet, though he needed assistance for almost everything. After long and exhausting battles with insurance, medical care, and other bureaucracies, we were able to get Luke into Encompass Rehabilitation Center in Tustin, California. Jana and Luke flew to Santa Ana on a private medical flight — something we never imagined needing, but for which we were grateful. I flew home that same day.
Encompass is a wonderful care facility, and there we began the hard journey of rehabilitation. Twelve-hour days with Luke, ongoing negotiations with insurance, and deep moments of grief filled our time. Yet what also filled our days was the unbelievable love and support from so many of you. Meals, visits, prayers, and constant care encouraged us more than we can express.
On January 19th, Luke was discharged home. He has improved greatly — he can now get in and out of bed on his own — though we continue to stay close to ensure he remains safe. We converted our downstairs room and bathroom to support this next step. We rented a hospital bed, installed safety grab bars in the shower, and are continuing to work through insurance to secure the right rehabilitation program and medical team as Luke recovers in this new phase.
Ashley’s memorial service was held at Azusa Pacific University. Together with Ashley’s mom, stepdad, and brother, we remembered the beautiful — but far too short — life she lived. During the service, Ashley was awarded her college degree posthumously by the president of APU. Robin and Luke gave heartfelt and eloquent tributes that honored her well. It was a lovely service that helped ease, even if only slightly, the deep grief of our loss. What gives us the greatest hope is knowing that Ashley placed her trust in the Lord. We are confident we will see her again in eternity.
So… how are we today?
First, we are profoundly grateful to God for the love, care, and support He has provided through all our friends and family. The response has filled our hearts with much-needed support and comfort. Today, we are exhausted and hopeful. Luke still has a long road ahead toward full recovery, and we are learning how to navigate the life-changing impact of all that has happened. Ryan loves his brother deeply and wants to help in every way he can. Jana and I are doing as well as can be expected, trusting God for the strength needed each day. The goodness and love of God and his people have outweighed the most difficult moment in our life.
