Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is spearheading a fundraiser for a friend who plunged down an elevator shaft and is about to get socked at least $42,000 in medical bills.
Marie Nasri woke up early to go to work and mistakenly thought she was entering the bathroom in her daughter's apartment in Inlet Beach, Florida.
Instead, she walked into an elevator shaft under construction and plunged 12 feet to the cement floor, crushing both heels and breaking her ankles,
The Panama City News Herald reports.
Nasri has had three surgeries and needs months of rehabilitation — necessities that will cost her at least $42,000.
Huckabee, who unsuccessfully ran for the 2016 GOP presidential nomination, heard about the horrific accident, which is a hardship for Nasri and her husband Hanie, owners of Marie's Bistro, where she is chief cook.
"We love Hanie and Marie. They are wonderful friends; wonderful, kind and gracious people," Huckabee, who lives near the eatery in Blue Mountain Beach, told The News-Herald.
"When I heard about the tragedy, I was shocked and couldn't imagine what those type of bills would do to them financially."
Huckabee called rocker Jeff Carlisi of .38 Special and the two organized a June 8 fundraiser at the bistro.
"That is part of the charm of this place. When a neighbor needs help, everyone chips in," Huckabee said.
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