Kim Tibbetts and her daughter Rian Tibbetts were in a devastating car accident the evening of Tuesday July 19th, 2016. Their blue FJ Cruiser was involved in a head-on collision on Highway 38 on their way home to Angelus Oaks from Rian's first high school varsity volleyball game. Kim swerved as much as she could to try and avoid the collision and try and take as much of the force to shield Rian.


     By the grace of God, both have survived but have sustained serious injuries. Rian's injuries include multiple breaks in her right hand, pelvic fractures, and multiple fractures in right foot. She also has several deep lacerations on her left arm that have severed some ligaments. She has had 2 surgeries since Tuesday which also included  blood transfusions and she has needed 2 additional blood transfusions since then. It appears that Rian will not need any more surgeries (although the doctors are monitoring her very closely in regards to infection) and she will be able to start some physical therapy soon. She has tried to stay strong although she is in extreme pain and the only thing she wants to do is see her mom. Kim's injuries are far worse. She has suffered several broken bones in her ankle, a complete right femur break, knee fracture, clavicle fracture, neck fracture, pelvic fractures, 5 rib fractures and a bowel rupture. Kim has undergone 3 surgeries and will unfortunately need at at least 2 more this week and several more as well as extensive physical therapy. Both will need around the clock care when released which isn't anytime soon.

     Kim Tibbetts has been the Kindergarten teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in Redlands for 15 years and parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church. Before settling down with the love of her life Steve, she played basketball at East Tennessee State University and then coached volleyball at The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has always been active and loves taking long hikes with her friends and her dog Sinjin.




She is the volleyball coach at Sacred Heart Academy and has always been involved at the school. She has been the MC for the annual Stirs and Golf Tournament fundraisers because her sense of humor, smile and laugh are infectious. She is loved by all and has helped foster christ-centered education for hundreds of children. Her classroom is fun yet disciplined and all students and former students adore her.

    
 

     Rian is 13 years old and just graduated 8th grade from Sacred Heart Academy. She has played softball and volleyball and currently plays club volleyball for RVVC (Rancho Valley Volleyball Club). She was supposed to start her freshman year in High School at REV in mid August. This exceptional athlete already made varsity volleyball as a freshman. She is the typical teenager who loves hanging out with her friends and having fun.








     Rian is Kim and Steve's only child. It has been heartbreaking for Kim not to be there for her daughter. Steve has been going back and forth between Kim and Rian but spending most of his time with Kim as her injuries are worse. Needless to say, it has been exhausting for him to wrap his head around such a tragedy that has occurred to his family. There has been round the clock watch for Rian by Kim's closest friends and colleagues. They report back to Kim and keep her mind at ease so her precious daughter is not waking up to an empty room in the hospital.


     We are asking for financial as well as spiritual support for Kim Tibbetts and her daughter Rian during this very difficult time. The expenses of medical bills and physical therapy are daunting. The road to recovery for both is going to be difficult for this family. We are asking for donations to help this educator, mother, wife, coach, and friend who has taught our children and has touched so many peoples lives. We are also thanking everyone for their continuous prayers and support.
Blessings,
Sacred Heart Academy Families