Early November 1, 2012 Bryan Steele participated in an early morning hunt held on Berry College’s property. After a few quiet hours, Bryan decided to head home. He climbed down the tree with his stand and loaded his gear up. With his stand on his back, he trekked the small hike towards his truck. Bryan is a hunter of over 20 years, so he always wore adequate hunter’s orange for safety. Despite that, within 500 yards of the highway and his truck… an inexperienced hunter fired a shot that struck Bryan.

Bryan was stunned, even assuming his own rifle had misfired. In his panic he realized that his left arm was limp and bloodied. A .308 round had shattered his arm just above his elbow, leaving his forearm dangling. Keeping his wits Bryan was able to call for help and hike through the pain back to his vehicle. Paramedics quickly carted him to the hospital.

Bryan was extremely lucky in a few ways. Had the shot been three inches in any other direction he would have lost his life. He was luckily close to a highway and didn’t lose much blood before help arrived. He also luckily didn’t have his arm amputated. However, Bryan has been extremely unfortunate. After four surgeries and excruciating pain, he will never be able to move his elbow joint again. He was hospitalized for a month and will need extensive rehab. After 28 years as an industrial technician Bryan no longer has the ability to work. Hobbies that he once loved such as motorcycle riding, fishing, and hunting, will never be a reality for him again.

Bryan is the sole provider for his wife and daughter. After losing his ability to work and facing hospital bills climbing into the hundreds of thousands, his family is struggling. The good news is that you can help. Friends and family are hosting a “Redneck Benefit” to subsidize his costs. This fun event will have music, dancing, a cake walk, food, an auction, and a raffle.Auction items include: home décor, gift cards to local businesses, tools, and many other valuable items. Raffle items will include: a brand new HDTV, a $100 VISA gift card, and other surprise items.

Even if you’re unable to go, you can email bryansteelebenefit@gmail.com for information on how to donate. Please help us support a local family in need by sharing this post. And of course, prayer for healing over Bryan is valued over any other help.

The event will be Saturday, March 2 at 5 p.m. It is being held in the Oostanaula Community Center at 1595 Oostanaula Bend Road Calhoun, Ga. 30701. It’s going to be fun for all ages and proceeds are going to a great cause.