Co-founder of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund dies after 30 years serving drivers

The co-founder of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund passed away last weekend after more than 30 years of service to truck drivers.

Dr. John McElligott co-founded the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund as a way to help OTR truckers who fall sick or are injured and are unable provide for their family. The charity helps the family cover household bills and other living expenses while the driver recovers.

“For more than 30 years, [McElligott] fought for the health and dignity of America’s truck drivers, helping thousands and delivering relief when they needed it most,” said St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, reported 6News. “His impact will continue to live on through our organization, in the lives of our Highway Heroes, and the many communities he impacted.”

“Because of his vision, more than 4,000 drivers have received assistance and over $5 million has gone directly toward helping families stay afloat during medical hardship,” said the charity’s executive director, Courtney Niemann. “His commitment to prevention through health and wellness programs will continue guiding our mission for years to come.”

“We know that he believed that truck drivers deserved the same access to care, compassion and dignity as anyone else. He saw the heartbreaking reality that when illness or injury takes a driver off the road, it can quickly become a financial crisis,” St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund wrote in a statement. “His vision created a safety net for thousands of families across the country. He understood the statistics of higher rates of chronic disease, the lack of insurance and the barriers to care, but what truly moved him were the personal stories. His legacy lives on in every driver and family we continue to support.”