A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the family of a man seriously injured when he was struck head-on by another driver on Highway 99E near Brooks last week.
Kaleefa Chernishoff, 26, of Brooks, broke both legs and ankles in the collision, and also suffered a fractured spine, according to his sister, Anfisa Piatkoff. His doctors say his spine will heal on its own with a back brace. He has had surgery on both legs, and another operation is planned for next week to have metal pins place, after which, he is expected to be discharged.
“It will take time for the bones to heal and then he will need physical therapy to rehabilitate his legs and feet before he will be able to walk again,” she says. “He has been in a lot of pain, but is doing well considering the situation.”
Kaleefa worked as a carpenter and was the main provider for his family, which includes a wife, Mariamna, and a 2-month-old baby girl. The GoFundMe was set up to provide for them until he is back on his feet, and raised almost $7,000 in its first two days. Check it out here.
“Mariamna will be stretched pretty thin in the coming months caring for both Kaleefa and their baby,” Piatkoff says. “We appreciate all of the loving and supportive messages we have received. Please keep Kaleefa and Mariamna in your prayers during this difficult time.”
The crash was reported near the intersection of 99E and Concomly Road NE at approximately 7:54 p.m. Nov. 13. According to Oregon State Police, also involved was 56-year-old Nicolas Martinez-Rivera, of Woodburn, who caused the collision when he veered into oncoming traffic for unknown reasons.