Family raising funds for expenses after ATV accident

Published 11:06 am Friday, February 14, 2020

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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

The Giles family of Clanton is looking for help from the community as one member battles for his life.

Charlie Giles has been in a coma at UAB Hospital since an ATV accident on Feb. 2 in which the vehicle flipped on top of him.

“It’s overwhelming really,” his wife Ashely Giles said.

A GoFundMe and prayer page have been sent up for community members to lend financial and emotional support to the Giles and their 14-year-old son during this long journey.

“He is still on a ventilator,” Ashley Giles said. “They are trying to wean him off of some of the medications to see if we can’t get a response.”

On Feb. 8, Charlie Giles went through an emergency surgery in attempt to relieve pressure on his brain and keep pressure from building on the spinal cord.

“They told us they couldn’t guarantee us what kind of quality of life he would have once he comes to,” Ashley Giles said. “We are hoping and praying for the best. They are not sure if he will be able to speak or even move his right side.”

Charlie’s sister Charlotte set up the GoFundMe page to help with finances after Charlie had been in the hospital for a few days.

“They told us it would be months, six to nine months before they would know if his full capabilities, if he will be able to resume any kind of physical activity,” Ashley Giles said.

Funds from the GoFundMe will go toward medical bills, utilities and day-to-day expenses. Ashley Giles has been traveling to the hospital in Birmingham and back on a daily basis.

“We are hopeful and with prayers for a very close to full recovery that is what we are hoping for and praying for every day,” Ashley Giles said.

The prayer page can be found under “Prayers for Charlie Giles” on Facebook.

“We update it every day as we know something,” Ashley Giles said.

Donations to the family can be made through the GoFundMe page here.

Ashley Giles said friends and family have been supportive with cards, gift baskets and words of encouragement.

“No matter what you do, I’m thankful for it,” Ashley Giles said. “… We are really overwhelmed by how the community has reached out to us.”