Emily Buikema’s Fighting Spirit

On Christmas Day 2018, our sweet, amazing and beautiful 27 year-old niece, Emily Buikema, was a passenger in her boyfriend’s vehicle when a drunk driver swerved into their lane and hit them head-on at a high rate of speed in New Lenox, IL. Emily’s boyfriend, Greg, had abdominal surgery and is recovering but Emily has now had 6 emergency life saving surgeries (for extensive abdominal, leg, vascular & brain injuries) with more to come. A portion of her skull had to be removed due to brain swelling and will be replaced in the future. She had a stroke as a result of her injuries and has deficits on her entire left side.

Currently, Emily is still hospitalized and has a very long road ahead of her. She stayed in an intensive care unit for a month where she was fighting for her life. She was then placed on step down units for an additional month so she could get stronger. Emily recently was moved to a specialty hospital, which is just another step in her long recovery process. Once she gets the approval from the doctors, she will be moved to a rehabilitation facility.

Emily is a fighter!  She is fighting through her injuries in hopes to overcome them. Her kindness and determination has touched many people.  Emily is a person who is there for her family and friends.  She puts others before herself.  Emily has a huge heart and passion for dogs.  She has worked with them since 2012 through shelter work and dog walking/sitting.  A lot of success stories have come out of her efforts to give dogs a second chance for a forever home.  Emily’s ultimate goal is to do dog rescue work across the country.  Unfortunately, this horrific event happened and she is forced to put her efforts on hold as she recovers.

Emily continues to fight and is so motivated to get better but she cannot do it alone!  We are asking for lots of continuous prayers for Emily and if you are able, financial assistance for Emily’s parents (Howard & Sharon Buikema) as they are responsible for the payment of many medical bills and Emily’s continuous care (including things such as a handicapped accessible van and handicapped accessible modifications to their home). We greatly appreciate your prayers and financial assistance. Every donation counts no matter how much you are able to give. Emily and her family are going through so much right now and we thank you so very much for any assistance you can provide! Wishing you all God’s blessings now and always!