To donate, go to http://www.gofundme.com/davegardner.
After fighting for our country in Iraq and Afghanistan, Dave Gardner, a Marine Corps veteran of Shenandoah, is now fighting for his life after being hit by a vehicle Sunday morning (February 8, 2015) just outside the borough.
Gardner, age 32, was walking to work at Schuylkill Energy Resources on Yatesville Road when he was struck by a vehicle about a half-mile from the intersection with State Route 54. The impact threw Gardner into the windshield and then the side of the car before landing on the roadway. Luckily, the driver of the car stopped and called 911.
He was flown to Geissinger Medical Center in Danville, where he remains in critical condition. Since then, Gardner has undergone two emergency surgeries to control the swelling in his brain and awaits procedures to repair multiple broken bones. Other injuries consist of a skull fracture, broken shoulder blade, shattered pelvis, and numerous lacerations.
Prior to the accident, Gardner had spent over 4-years caring for his wife, Kristen, who suffers from Crohn’s disease. Kristen, who recently had a section of her small intestines removed, was released from the hospital three days prior to the accident.
Dave and Kristen sold their vehicle a few months ago because they couldn’t afford both medical bills and vehicle maintenance repairs. That is why Dave was walking to work.
As of Thursday night (Feb. 12), Dave Gardner remains in an induced coma while doctors work to lessen the swelling in his brain.
Kristen stated her appreciation for everyone’s words, prayers and support.
Comments on Facebook read:
– “Everybody loved him.”
– “A very friendly man.”
– “He would do anything for anybody.”
– “A caring man and friend to all.”
– “You are a strong man and hard worker. You’ll pull through this.”
As you can imagine, medical bills are piling up.
Please donate any amount to the family via a GoFundMe account. Funds will be used to help Dave and Kristen with medical bills and recovery.
To donate, go to http://www.gofundme.com/DaveGardner.
His wife can be reached by calling 717-425-4031 or via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/seein13stars.
Click HERE to view the Republican Herald newspaper story about the accident.
Click HERE to view the WNEP TV story.
TamaquaArea.com 
My daughter was struck by a car while running, her injuries weren’t nearly as bad as this Marine…my heart goes out to you and your family. Our auto insurance covered my doctors bills up here in Oregon. Not sure if you checked, but if you have auto insurance and your walking, and you are struck by a car, your auto insurance kicks in…please check.
SF Marine
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I served with Dave for a few years doing Amphibious Assault in the Marines. One of the best trackers I have ever met. Fiercely loyal and an even better friend. Seeing myself in some of these pictures with Dave from years back makes me realize how special this dude really is. He is a fighter and I know he won’t give up anytime soon!
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I agree with Michael LoGiudice, but of course they didn’t own a car so that wouldn’t apply to them. But…
Dave was hit by another vehicle whose owner should have had insurance on his vehicle…then it turn he would have to report it to his insurance in order for them to pay for Dave’s medical bills. Also…Being a Marine…shouldn’t he have insurance from the Navy that would also apply to helping him at this time . God bless him and his family and I wholeheartedly pray he will get well.
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Mary, I don’t see how your comment will help raise donations for Dave?
He is out of the service, IE a veteran. So the service won’t pay medical bills. Would your job pay your medical bills if you don’t work there anymore? The same applies with the government.
Whatever your beliefs, please don’t comment unless it is meant to help. So sad to see your heartless comment.
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