Insurance denies 24-hour nursing care for 15-year-old daughter severely injured in crash, parents say

QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM/Gray News) – A family in Illinois is back home after being away for nine months.
In early 2025, the lives of the Wares were changed forever when their 15-year-old daughter, Hayden, was severely injured after being hit by a pickup truck.
Hayden was outside working on a property while on spring break on March 14, 2025, when she was struck by the vehicle.
According to “Pulling for Hayden,” a Facebook page highlighting the teen’s journey in recovery, she has spent several weeks in hospitals since the crash.
A post said Hayden suffered an anoxic brain injury as well as extensive physical trauma. In addition to broken bones, she suffered a hematoma and a compromised carotid artery.
The life of Hayden and her family changed after the accident, but she continues to fight for her future.
Hayden’s father, Todd Ware, said his daughter is “tough, she’s strong, she’s smart.”
Hayden’s mother, Michele Ware, said they have all learned a lot on the journey to recovery, including a lot about themselves.
“We are probably stronger than we ever thought we could and need to be,” she said.
Hayden’s journey has taken her from Adams County to University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri, to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab to Ranken Jordan. Then she went to the Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins and then back to St. Louis.
The family finally returned home just a few weeks ago.
Michele and Todd Ware put their jobs on hold or adjusted them to be there with their daughter.
“I’ve had help, I’ve had my computer in every hospital room, rehab stay room,” Michele Ware said. “Wherever we’ve been, it’s come with me. I work every day from wherever I’m at.”
Todd Ware said there have been some improvements since Hayden’s been home, but her treatment has seen some setbacks.
“Insurance denied the 24-hour nursing care, which was recommended by the doctors,” he said. “For them not to have her back, it’s very frustrating. This is the youth. This is who they should be putting all their efforts into and they’ve failed her.”
Michele and Todd Ware said they are willing to do anything for their daughter, even giving up their lives as she recovers. Without someone qualified to stay with Hayden, they said it is up to them to be her sole caretakers.
“It never stops, it’s constant. We’re here 24/7 with her, taking care of her,” Todd Ware said.
Hayden’s father said the journey was not what they expected as they worked without help from their providers.
“Every day she goes without these therapies is detrimental to her… it just sets her back, and just gives her less of a chance at recovery,” he said.
Michele Ware said they had a doctor near the beginning who told them she could be back to normal after a year’s worth of hard work in therapy.
“Now, everyone says they don’t know, they can’t tell you anything,” she said.
Todd Ware said he and his wife are no longer able to take much time for themselves.
“My time is Hayden’s time, but the most important thing is her; I’ll be fine,” he said.
Michele and Todd Ware said Hayden’s story has also led them to meet parents in similar situations, and they wanted to share their story on social media. At the end of the day, the two parents said they want their daughter back, no matter what they have to go through.
They are trying to raise $150,000 to help Hayden get the necessary treatment to help her recover. They are asking the community for help with fundraisers and fund pages. They are asking the community for help with fundraisers and fund pages.