Hello,
I am Debbie Hilton, Nicole Shumate's aunt. As many of you know, Nicole was in a serious car accident on her way to work Friday, November 4, 2016.  First, we are sincerely thankful for all the prayers, loving thoughts and encouraging words.

We are truly thankful the other parties involved in the MVA only had minor injuries, that was one of Barb's first questions after she received information from the police officers after we arrived at CHS. I saw the instant relief on her face.

Nicole was unresponsive at the scene, it took some time to extricate her from the car, the roof had to be cut open to do so. At the scene they placed a temporary breathing tube and she was taken by flight to CHS trauma center. She mostly bypassed the ER and was transferred to their surgical trauma intensive care unit.

After we arrived at the hospital, the attending ICU nurse and trauma physician gave us our first news of her injuries prior to being able to see her. Her injuries included: subarachnoid hemorrhage area on her brain, cervical fracture, fracture beneath her left eye, laceration to her left eye, bilateral fracture of her jaws, injury to her carotid arteries, compound fracture of left upper arm, fracture of right side ribs resulting in pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and pelvis fracture.

When we were taken to her room for the first time, Barb called Nicole's name and reached for her hand and Nicole instantly recognized her voice and squeezed her hand. She was already intubated and receiving respiratory support with the ventilator. Cervical collar in place. Hand restraints. IV's supplying fluids, pain medication, and sedation and hooked up to monitors to show vital information of her status. Barb faced the critical condition Nicole was in, the shock and pain a mother would feel seeing her child in this position and trying to process that this is actually happening. Add to that as most of you know, Barb is at the initial stage of shock and grief in trying to grasp the reality of the sudden passing of her husband, Tim just 3 weeks prior on Octobe 15.  
Tim was the main provider for the family. Nicole and Barb are both self-employed as hair stylists so this will definitely take a toll on their financial situation with the loss of income and mounting medical bills. She is our baby sister, she is stronger than she thinks, she has put one foot in front of the other and has been strong for Nicole, but is going to need all of our help.
We've had a number of friends and family ask what they can do and if there is a place to donate money to help with their situation, so I was encouraged to start this gofundme page. 

Our Family would like to say a special thank you to the Wesley Chapel Fire Department, Carolinas Healthcare MedFlight team and all of the nurses and physicians at Carolinas Healthcare Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit. May God bless all of you.

Again, thank you sincerely for your heartfelt prayers for Nicole, Barb, and Logan as they face each day of this difficult journey ahead of them. We would be forever grateful for anything that could be given.