Our Lives Changed in an Instant

On what seemed like a normal evening, my daughters and I had just arrived back at our apartment after celebrating my 8-year-old Caris’ dance recital. We parked across the street from our building, like we had done so many times before, and started to cross over together. In seconds, everything changed.

A car that had been stopped at a stop sign suddenly sped around another vehicle pulling out of a driveway. It swerved so fast, I couldn’t tell which direction to run. Both of my daughters were on the side where the car was coming. In that terrifying moment, I pulled Cari closer, held my 4-year-old in my arms, and swung my oldest out of the way. I shielded both of my girls with my body and took the majority of the impact of the car. The driver fled the scene, leaving us broken in the street.

We were rushed to the hospital. My 4-year-old suffered a broken femur, had to undergo emergency surgery, and is now in a cast from her leg to her abdomen. She also has abrasions on her face and body. My 8-year-old had abrasions across her face, lost a tooth, broke two more, and needed stitches in her lip. Both of my daughters are healing with so much strength and courage, but they still have surgeries and follow-up care ahead of them.

As for me, I sustained a dislocated pelvis, four fractured ribs, a fractured knee, and spinal injuries. I had surgery to put my pelvis back together, with two large screws placed inside to hold it in place. Right now, I have almost no mobility in my left leg and cannot walk. I am awaiting rehab, where I’ll begin the long process of learning how to use my legs again, rebuild strength, and regain independence.

The hardest part of this journey has not just been the physical pain, but the emotional pain of not being able to advocate for my daughters when they needed me most. They were in the hospital for days without me by their side, and although my family and support system surrounded them, my heart ached not being able to hold them after something so traumatic.

And while we are incredibly grateful for the care we’ve received, the reality is that insurance doesn’t cover nearly as much as people think. The bills pile up quickly, and there are so many out-of-pocket costs from hospital stays and surgeries to rehab, mobility equipment, and even basic needs at home. It’s overwhelming, and it often feels like no matter how hard you try to prepare, you’re never truly covered for something like this.

This entire experience has taken a toll physically, emotionally, and financially. I’ve always been strong and independent, so asking for help is not easy for me. But so many people have asked how they can support us, and the truth is: right now, we need it.

How You Can Help

Any donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward our medical expenses, my daughters’ upcoming surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and helping me provide for my girls while I cannot work. If you cannot give financially, your prayers, encouragement, and simply sharing this page mean just as much.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every prayer, every message, every visit, and every bit of love you’ve shown. My girls and I are alive by the grace of God, and with your support, we will heal and rise again.