Fundraising efforts are underway for the family of a man recovering from a serious car accident.  Kurt Dinkel of Palco was critically injured in a car accident on November 1st in which he suffered a broken neck and a herniated disc.  His daughter Danielle Schumacher told Hays Post that he has been in the ICU in Wichita until this week.

On Monday, December 9th Dinkel was transported to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, NE.  Currently he is not able to walk, but as his rehabilitation and physical therapy continues in Nebraska, he will have a better chance of gaining full body functionality.

To enter into the rehab program, the family had to pay $80,000 up front, which covers the cost for 4 to 6 weeks.  Schumacher says that doctors are estimating that it could take up to 6 months for Dinkel to have his best chance at walking.  Dinkel, who along with his wife Ginger do not have insurance, have had to pay out of pocket for most expenses so far.  With limited funds available, Dinkel could be forced to leave the rehab program much sooner than 6 months.

That’s where a Hays resident stepped in.  Amanda Manning, a friend of the family, began an online fundraising effort via a Facebook event, The Online Auction/Fundraiser for Kurt Dinkel’s Medical expenses. Around 30 people donated goods and services to be auctioned off with all proceeds going towards Dinkel and his family.  Manning said that fundraising efforts have exceeded $4000 between the auction and a website set up to collect donations, and the total continues to climb.

Manning added that while the goal is to keep Dinkel in rehab for as long as possible to give him the best chance at walking again, steps are being taken to prepare for the alternative.  Specifically, some individuals are seeking donations of wood, building supplies, and gift cards from home improvement stores to help make the Dinkel home handicap accessible.

The online auction continues through December 15th. Schumacher said that while family faces a long road ahead, they are grateful for the support from the area and hopeful for the future.

“We just want to get him home.  He has three grandkids, he wants to play with them again.  He just wants to get back to where he was.  He’s a hard working guy…We appreciate all the help.”

The online auction can be found by clicking here.

The website to donate money can be found here.

Anyone wishing to donate towards the home modifications can contact Amanda Manning via Facebook message or by calling 785-639-2446.