On Saturday afternoon, dozens stopped to help a dedicated American Red Cross volunteer who has helped so many others.
Gary Wilkins, a North Texan father and husband remains in serious condition after a motorcycle accident on May 21. His wife Paula said Wilkins was struck by a distracted driver while riding his motorcycle.
“A young girl stopped at a stop sign and did not see Gary, and did a U-turn right in front of him and slammed into his left side,” she said. “His femur was totally shattered. His tibia was broke. Every rib on his left side except the top one was broken multiple places.”
On Saturday, dozens of blood donors stopped by an American Red Cross van parked outside of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycles dealership in Garland.
"He's a great guy, he's a Veteran," said donor Dennis Gross from Forney. "He volunteers with the Red Cross to disasters, so yeah he's a good guy. He deserves everything."
"It's always meaningful really to give blood, but it's more meaningful when you know exactly where it's going to," said donor Ronald Brown from Rowlett.
Since hearing the news Wilkins said friends and strangers have overwhelmed her with their support.
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“Probably in the first day or two of his wreck, I was friend-ed by at least 150 people wanting me to be their friend so they can follow my story on Facebook,” she said.
Wilkins also said she received thousands of dollars to help with medical bills and other expenses.
“I’m putting it aside so when Gary comes home if he needs wheelchair or anything that maybe Medicare doesn’t pay for that we can’t afford, then we’ll have that,” she said. “Once this is all over, I would like to take him somewhere for a day or two. It’s going to be awhile though, they say probably five or six more months.”
Wilkins said her husband has been in critical care since the accident. She also said he's also contracted pneumonia while at the hospital.
Gary Wilkins turns 58-years-old on July 18 and their wedding anniversary is on July 21. Paula Wilkins said they’ll spend both special days at the hospital.
Summer is a crucial month for the American Red Cross. Workers there said that is when the number of blood donors drop and there is still a high need. Click on this sentence to learn more on how you can donate.
