On what should have been an ordinary Sunday, a violent and senseless act changed multiple lives forever. A man who had already been driving dangerously caused an accident and stopped on the shoulder. My cousin Heather and her friends did what good people do. They pulled over to help and to offer to be witnesses for the people involved in the crash.

Instead of gratitude, they were met with violence.

The driver suddenly attacked them, and in the chaos that followed, Heather’s friend tragically lost her life. While Heather was trying to help another one of her friends, the assailant brutally attacked her as well.

These were ordinary people who stopped to help strangers. Their kindness was met with an act of brutality none of them could have ever prepared for.

Heather is now left trying to physically and emotionally recover from an experience that no one should ever endure. Along with the trauma of the attack, she is carrying the deep grief of losing a close friend in such a violent and sudden way.

Right now, our family is focusing on helping Heather heal. The road ahead will include medical care, trauma recovery, counseling, and time away from work as she processes what happened.

We are asking for help to support Heather during this incredibly difficult time. Donations will go toward medical expenses, therapy and trauma support, lost income, and the many unexpected costs that come after surviving something like this. All funds will be transferred to Heather's mother, Debi Miller for her to assist Heather with what is needed.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page so Heather can receive the support she needs as she begins the long process of healing.

Please keep Heather, the injured survivors, and the family of the friend who lost her life in your thoughts and prayers.

No one should ever be punished for trying to help someone.