Help needed in renovation for victim of drunk driving accident

Valley Life editor

Community members are rallying behind a Colony High School student who was critically injured by a drunk driver in May.

Alan Markus was in the process of helping another motorist whose truck was stuck on May 11 when a drunk driver hit him on the side of the road. Since then, Markus has had four major surgeries.

Markus is going to be coming home soon, but there are plenty of hurdles to cross before it happens. The Markus' home is being totally renovated, to make it accessible for Alan, who will be in a wheelchair for a minimum of six months.

At the family's Wasilla home, all of the bedrooms are upstairs. The family living room is being converted to Alan's bedroom, and a downstairs laundry room is being converted into a full-sized bathroom that is wheelchair accessible.

The project is costly, and organizers are hoping to get donations to help cover the construction costs. Project organizers are also looking for a plumber to help convert the laundry room into a bathroom.

Markus suffered multiple injuries, including a shattered pelvis, broken hips, broken legs, a shattered knee and a broken arm. He faces a lengthy recovery, including intensive physical therapy. Still, he is holding on to goals.

"He said he'll be playing hockey by the second semester next year," said Wayne Bredberg, a family friend.

A special account in Markus' name has been established at Spenard Builders Supply, and if people would like to help by donating money to help cover some of the renovation costs, they can do so at Spenard Builders Supply.

Friends of the family have also established a bank account in Markus' name where people can donate money.

The Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union account number is 72813.

For more information, or to volunteer to help, interested people can contact Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 376-3522.