Sarah's Road to Recovery
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Brandi VanGunst and I am setting up a GoFund me for my sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Mike Tague. On Friday evening, September 29, 2023, they got the worse call a parent could get, "Your daughter was in a four car pile up with a tanker containing anhydrous ammonia and we don't know where she is." For hours Michelle and Mike did not know where Sarah was or her condition. They finally found that Sarah had been Life Flighted to a hospital in Springfield, IL.
Sarah and three of her friends were on their way to a swim meet when the tanker they were behind overturned, spilling the toxic chemical. The teenagers bailed the car and ran as far as they could away from the chemical.
Sarah has been on a ventilator since Friday evening in a Springfield, IL Hospital. She has swelling and irritation to her lungs, throat, skin and eyes. Her friends are experiencing similar issues with their lungs, eyes and skin. It is hard to say how long the recovery will be, but it is certain that it will take time.
Once Michelle and Mike found where Sarah was, they immediately went to Springfield to be with her. They have been with Sarah since Saturday September 30th which was also Sarah's 18th Birthday. This is absolutely a parent's worst nighmare coming true.
Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated during this time. This will be a long road to recovery for Sarah and the Tague family. If you are able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated. As we know the accident happened out of state and the cost of a life flight is expensive. There will be many other expenses as well including time away from work, hotel stays, driving/flying back and forth, food, post hospital care, etc. We know this could have had a worse ending and we are so thankful that God was watching out for Sarah. Anything you can do to help the Tague family is greatly appreciated! At this time please refer to myself, Vicki or the Go Fund Me page for updates so we can allow Michelle and Mike to focus on Sarah's recovery. Thank you!
UPDATE: October 4th, 2023
First and foremost thank you for all your calls, prayers, donations and support. I am happy to report that Sarah is off the ventilator! She was able to come off the ventilator this afternoon and will be enjoying her first liquid meal of apple juice and vegetable broth. Vicki and I drove to Springfield, IL today so Michelle and Mike can get some much needed rest. An article was written in the Star Tribune about Sarah and her friends. WCCO and KSTP will also air the story. Sarah is one tough and brave young lady! Please continue to pray for Sarah and her friends.
Organizer and beneficiary
Brandi VanGunst
Organizer
Burnsville, MN
Michelle Tague
Beneficiary
