Help the Burkes Heal After Tragic Accident

On Thanksgiving night, Peter and Cassie (Griffin) Burke were driving home to Beloit, Wisconsin, after celebrating the holiday with Cassie’s parents in rural Illinois. Their two children, Avie (8) and Sky (2), were singing along to Wicked in the backseat when another car crossed the median and collided with their vehicle.

Despite Peter’s efforts to avoid the crash, their car rolled multiple times before landing upside down. Peter managed to get Avie and Sky out of the car, but Cassie was pinned in the front seat. Strangers stopped to help free her and comfort the family until EMTs arrived. All four were rushed to the hospital, via ambulance with medflight on standby..

Cassie sustained a fractured sternum and hand, leaving her unable to work as a birth doula or in her part time administrative role. Cassie is currently pursuing her masters in Clinical Mental Health and has dedicated the last decade to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Dane County, her injuries mean she won’t be able to work with clients for months. Cassie had recently recovered from a year-long battle with long COVID, and had just begun expanding her practice into Rock County.

Peter suffered a fractured vertebra, which severely limits his physical ability at home and at work. After a decade working as a teacher in the Madison area he recently left his profession to work for Costco. He was recently promoted to a full-time position but has yet to accrue paid time off. Currently, Peter is unable to pick up, care for, or play with his children, and it is unknown when he will be able to return to his job.

Avie and Sky are resilient but deeply affected. Sky loves Frozen, Minnie Mouse, and dancing, while Avie, a third grader with big dreams of becoming an artist, adores Meghan Trainor, Hello Kitty, and swimming. Both kids are very shaken but luckily did not sustain any major injuries.

The family had recently downsized to one car and moved to Beloit for a fresh start. Their 2013 Honda CR-V kept the family safe but took the brunt of the damage leaving the family without transportation. Unfortunately, the family does not have substantial savings and insurance will not be providing a rental.

The Burke family is now facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of this traumatic event. They are without reliable transportation, and their financial future feels uncertain as they focus on recovery.

This is an incredibly challenging time for a family who has always been there for others. Cassie and Peter are kind, hardworking parents who need our help. Any support you can offer—whether through a donation or sharing their story—will help ease their financial burden and allow them to focus on healing and caring for their children.