Financial Future Fund for Erica & Cate Rountree

Roundtree Family Support Fund

Support urgently needed - News article  Link 

(NOTE:  There is another GoFundMe page set up by friends of Libby and the family.  They are doing an amazing job of raising immediate funds for funeral expenses and medical needs.  This page is primarily focused on the long-term, the reality the day they both step out of that hospital and begin the long journey faced by survivors.  Why the $250,000 goal?  Divide that by 3 and it comes out to roughly $80,000 per year.  Chris was the primary bread winner.  Another friend who suddenly lost her husband explained that she needed this  much or more to care for her children, pay medical bills, other expenses, etc.)

Their world was shattered on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

"I'm not sure how we left behind will manage. That is a big question mark with no answer. I heard their voices today - his silly dad jokes, her unrestrained giggles, floating through the air. They are giving Cate and me strength to continue. Thank you for loving them as we do."

In a tragedy beyond words, a wrong-way driver who attempted to flee the scene took the life of a father, husband, daughter and sister, forever changing the family left behind. While returning from a family vacation, the driver of a speeding pickup, driving the wrong way, hit their car head-on, as Chris Rountree swerved to try to protect his sweet wife and girls. Chris (53) and his daughter, Libby (17), died at the scene. His wife, Erica, suffered a head injury and broken bones and was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Daughter, Cate (19), was airlifted to a nearby hospital where she had to undergo extensive and multiple surgeries. Chris was in the prime of his life living with the love of his life. Libby was a rising high school senior, soccer player and beautiful daughter and sister. She will never graduate, go to college or get married and have a full life. Erica is left without her sweet baby daughter and her life-partner and soulmate.

Their new reality.

"Chris was always our protector and shield. His actions saved Cate's and my life without a doubt."

Imagine losing everything in the blink of an eye.  It is unknown at this time what type of insurance coverage the driver of the vehicle may have, potentially leaving Erica and Cate without a means of fully covering their medical bills, legal bills, mortgage payments or living expenses going forward. Imagine your financial future crumbling or becoming uncertain in an instant. Chris was the primary bread winner. Erica and Cate both deserve time to heal, grieve in peace and have a solid financial future. Imagine being a wife and mother who is hospitalized away from home, lying in hospital bed injured and unable to grieve the unspeakable loss of her soulmate and youngest daughter, while dealing with major worry for your surviving daughter. "Chris did everything he could to swerve and protect us. Chris and Libby were two peas in a pod, and I know they entered heaven yesterday hand-in-hand. They are exploring the highest mountains, the bluest oceans and the most beautiful fields of gold - together. They are being hugged by Jesus and looking upon His glorious countenance. I'm not sure how we left behind will manage."

Erica is a Giver. Family is everything to her.

“It’s painful to put into words…”

Help ease the worry and financial fears so these two sweet ladies left behind can grieve and heal in peace. We invite you to donate to the Rountree Family Fund to help cover medical, funeral, mortgage and other living expenses over the weeks and months ahead while Erica remains unable to work, cares for Cate, recovers herself, and Cate regains enough strength to continue her college education. Social security no longer covers a child beyond the age of 18. Family is everything to Erica, as is caring for others. If she were reading this, she'd be grateful for the last week they had together as a family, but she'd also be worried about the impact on others and easing their pain and grief. Any donation in support of her is a donation in support those she loves, in her own family, and in her community.

Thank you for your gifts, prayers and love for Erica and Cate.

We will keep you updated on their progress. All funds donated will be used for their direct well-being and support. GoFundMe charges a 2.9% fee, but every penny of the rest will go to Erica and Cate.

Gratefully,

Friends of Erica Shepard Rountree and Family

(Contact Rebecca Whicker via www.domarketingfundraising.com)