On Tuesday night around 7:30 p.m., my best friend called me sobbing. She told me someone had hit their home — again. This was the second time in just 7 months.

But this time was different.

An individual driving approximately 80 mph down a residential road lost control of their vehicle. The car wrapped around a tree, causing the engine to launch through the hood, directly into their home. It tore through the playroom and into the living room, where it caught fire — the very rooms where their family had been gathered moments before.

Their 11-month-old daughter, Savannah, was in the direct path of the impact. She had been sitting and playing with her toys, and if it had not been for her toy box absorbing part of the force, the outcome could have been unimaginable.

Inside the home were Savannah, her brother Robbie, their father Matt, and the family’s two dogs, Gracie and Maggie.

Savannah was so incredibly brave. While the adults around her were panicked and praying over her, she just stared back at us with her big blue eyes, confused and scared. We were all left asking the same question: how could someone make the selfish decision to drive so recklessly through a neighborhood where families and children are sleeping, playing, and living?

Now this family is left trying to pick up the pieces — shattered family photos, destroyed toys, smoke and chemical damage, and a home that is no longer safe to live in. Their power has been shut off due to safety concerns from the fire, gas, and chemicals caused by the crash.

When I went to the house to gather anything I could for Becky and Savannah at the hospital, the reality of the devastation hit even harder. Becky’s mom and I dug through debris trying to find comfort items for the babies. We found big brother’s dinosaur stuffed animal soaked in antifreeze. We shook broken glass out of his Bluey blanket. We tried to salvage Savannah’s Boppy pillow so Becky could feed and comfort her in the pediatric trauma room. But so many of the things that brought these children comfort had been destroyed because of one reckless decision.

Right now, Becky, Matt, Robbie, Savannah, Gracie, and Maggie are displaced from their home and facing overwhelming challenges ahead — medical expenses, loss of wages, temporary housing needs, and the replacement of damaged personal belongings.

At this time, we still do not know the full financial impact this tragedy will have on their family. They are currently waiting for insurance adjusters and other professionals to assess the damage to the home and determine what can be salvaged and what losses they are facing.

We are asking for your support to help ease some of the financial burden this family is carrying during this traumatic time. Every donation, share, and prayer means more than words can express.

We also hope to advocate for safety barriers and protections to prevent another family from experiencing a tragedy like this in the future.

Thank you for supporting this sweet family as they begin the long road toward healing.