Held by Faith, Saved by Care

On the morning of November 10, 2024, the Ridley family was driving to church - less than a mile from home - when their lives were forever altered.  In the blink of an eye, everything changed

A vehicle crossed into their lane. In seconds, a routine Sunday became a fight for survival.

Jeremy and Cassie Ridley and their two children all suffered injuries. Cassie fractured her foot. Their son sustained a concussion. Their daughter suffered crushed vertebrae and required emergency back surgery just two days later. But Jeremy’s injuries were catastrophic.

“He should have died on the scene, and he didn’t,” Cassie said.

Jeremy suffered a torn aorta, nine broken ribs, a crushed pelvis, and multiple additional injuries. He spent two months hospitalized at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay, underwent three major surgeries, and later continued intensive physical therapy in Atlanta - learning how to walk again from the ground up.

Through the unimaginable, the Ridleys leaned on their faith.

Jeremy recalls realizing that his suffering had touched others in unexpected ways - family members, hospital staff, even a security guard - each finding hope through his journey. “I told God I’d go through it all again for even one of them,” he said.

For Cassie, the long hours were filled with prayer. “You sit there, you look at him, and you pray,” she shared.

Recovery came one small victory at a time - opening a juice packet, steadying trembling arms, taking a few more steps. “You look for the blessings in everything,” Jeremy said. “They’re there; you just have to see them.”

Because of the skill, compassion, and readiness of the Ascension Sacred Heart Bay trauma team, Jeremy lived. And he healed.

Just two months after completing physical therapy, Jeremy crossed the finish line of a 5K race - a moment that once felt impossible. Today, he looks forward with gratitude and determination to the day he feels fully restored.

The Ridleys credit Ascension Sacred Heart Bay not just for saving their lives - but for walking with them every step of the way.

This is the impact of your generosity.
In moments where seconds matter and lives hang in the balance, your support ensures that expert trauma care is ready - every time, for every family.

Because of you, families like the Ridleys are still together and lives are given a second chance.