Community steps up for accident victim!
Christmas joy and holiday cheer took a brutal turn December 18, 2008 when my oldest brother nearly lost his life on Forest Hills Rd.
Jimmy Kilgore left work and walked across the road when a young couple driving northbound slammed into him. It has not yet been determined how or why one didn’t see the other or the exact circumstances that led to this tragedy, all I am certain of is that many lives were forever changed that night, and Jim will never be the same.
Jim was taken to Rockford Memorial Hospital with head injuries, a crushed sternum, two broken legs, a broken arm and many other broken bones. Five teeth were also knocked out and he suffered a stroke after one of his surgeries. The doctors have suggested that he may never regain use of his left arm. Although his injuries are severe, and his bones are shattered, Jim’s spirit and drive to persevere are not.
I struggle with the reasoning and religious aspect as to what God’s grand plan was behind this huge amount of suffering now placed upon my brother, and the struggles he has yet to endure, all of which leaves me confused as to why such a terrible thing could happen to such a good and honest man in the first place.
The local community are the true angels and heroes that have emerged in force from this tragedy, and you are the main reason for this article. The amount of generosity and genuine concern for Jim has been astounding. Dr. Sagi from Century Dental has agreed to do Jims dental work, which could very well be in the thousands of dollars, and does not want a penny! There are not enough newspapers on earth that could effectively display the heartfelt gratitude I have for this true Angel who has reached down and touched Jim’s life and offered to bring back his self esteem, and most importantly, his smile. Deb Gore from DnA Promotions reached out to my family, and in only one month has turned a one-band concert idea into a massive event in which four bands have signed on, complete with a caterer, a venue to host the event, and even a magician! The sheer magnitude of what this kindness and effort will eventually achieve for Jim can not ever be sufficiently gauged by financial amounts raised or by any other such standard…It goes so much deeper and means so much more to my family and I. This contribution is powerful proof of what can be achieved when an entire community comes together in such a massive and meaningful way. It literally changes lives, brings about restoration of fading faith and most importantly, shows the pure goodness in humanity that is not seen nearly enough in our society.
The benefit concert will be held at Rocky’s Bar in Loves Park on May 30th. Local bands Wykkyd Vykkyr, Pistol Pete, Heavyflow and Dirt will perform throughout the night. Raffle donations are always welcome! Please call Deb at 815-997-4319. Tickets can be purchased for one dollar, or six raffle tickets for five dollars! Tickets on sale at Rocky’s now. Need not be present to win.
Just a few of the raffle items on hand are an Ashland by Crafter electric guitar, an Excalibur pool cue, computer items and a huge amount of gift certificates!
If you or your business would like to help with Jims medical bills, rent, or rehabilitation costs he will incur, a donation account has been set up at any U.S. Bank. Please make any amount at all payable to the “Jimmy Kilgore of Rockford Illinois” Donation fund. Funds will be accepted at every U.S. Bank, or by mail at U.S Bank, 850 N. Church Street. Rockford Illinois. 61103
Thank you to all of the following sponsors, to those of you who have so kindly put so much effort into helping Jims dark days get so much brighter. Your donation means so much to Jim, and we thank you with all our hearts!
Smile people…You have helped change Jims life!
Al Grace Appliance, Applebee’s, Bisconti Computers, Bobby’s on Broadway, Bob’s Tattoo, Century Dental (Dr. Sagi), CJ’s Custom Cuts, Cellar Dweller Tattoo’s, Culver’s, DnA Promotions, Dr. Caraotta, Dragonhead Tattoo (formerly Dreamline), 11th St. Express Printing, Euro Tat2, F&F Tire World, Hobbytown, James Kelly, Nickelworld, Papa Chips, PIP Printing, Rock City Tattoo, Rocky’s Bar, Save-A-Lot, Subway, Von’s Pool Tables, Woodman’s, Wykkyd Vykkyr and to all we havent picked up yet, Thank You! …We will see you at the benefit!!
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