Last Sunday night, our sister, Nic Hayes-Johnson, was involved in a devastating head-on crash. She was life-flighted to Fargo that night, and our family has been navigating an overwhelming and frightening week ever since.

Nic suffered a broken femur, hip, several broken ribs, a cut on her liver, bruised kidneys, and a severe concussion. She underwent surgery Monday afternoon to repair her leg and remained in the ICU until Wednesday night.

She is still in the hospital and has a long road ahead of her. She will remain there until her doctors feel she is ready to transfer to a rehabilitation center, where she will continue working toward the day she can finally return home.

One of the most difficult parts of her recovery has been the concussion, which has significantly affected her memory. Her doctors and care team are working with her as she continues to heal, and we are taking things one day at a time.

Nic is a full-time nurse, is pursuing her EMT degree so she can volunteer with RLF EMS, and is also a full-time mom. She spends her life caring for other people, and right now, she is the one who needs to be cared for.

In the midst of everything, her sisters, friends, and family have surrounded her with love and support. Her children have been able to continue with as much of their normal routine as possible, staying with family while she navigates life in the hospital and recovery.

We are also incredibly grateful for the schools, teachers, coaches, bus drivers, dads, grandparents, and everyone else who has stepped up to help care for the kids and keep their lives moving while Nic focuses on getting better. We truly cannot thank you enough.

While Nic focuses on healing, the financial reality of this situation continues to grow. Medical expenses, travel, household bills, and the everyday expenses of caring for a family do not stop simply because life has been turned upside down.

We have created this fund to help take some of that financial burden off Nic and her family while she faces a long recovery and is unable to work.

We had intentionally kept this situation off social media while our family focused on Nic and her children. We are now reaching out to our community, friends, and family because we know how much love and support surrounds Nic.

If you are able to give, any amount will make a difference and will help provide Nic and her family with some peace of mind as they focus on what matters most: getting her home.

If you aren't able to donate, that is completely okay. Please consider sharing this fundraiser and, most importantly, keep Nic and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed, checked in, brought meals, helped with the kids, visited Nic, supported our family, or simply sent a message. Every act of kindness has meant more than you know.

We are taking this one day at a time, and we are so grateful Nic doesn't have to walk this road alone. ❤️