Tori's Fight: All updates will be linked on Caring Bridge here. https://www.caringbridge.org/site/248293e7-a14a-11f0-8f59-abd6638c0cbd?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page

It is with a heavy heart that I write out the details of Tori's journey. This has truly been one of the hardest things to navigate.

On Wednesday, October 1st, around 1:40 p.m., Tori was involved in a severe car accident while down in Florida for her sister’s wedding. While making a U-turn, her vehicle was T-boned by an F-250 truck. The impact was devastating. Trenton and I immediately booked a flight here. What no one prepared us for was the state of condition. I now thank them for withholding that until we got here and Christina prepared us. The long travel would have been more tough on him.

Her younger sister, Mikaila, was also in the car. She suffered a carotid artery tear along with bruising and pain. She was moved out of the ICU yesterday but had to be transferred back today after another area of concern was found. She will require a stent to stabilize the artery. Mikaila also has a 1-year-old son, and her bravery in the crash was remarkable—she refused to leave Tori’s side even though Tori was immediately unconscious and pinned in the car. The Jaws of Life had to be used to free her.

Tori remains intubated and sedated, fighting through every minute. She suffered multiple brain bleeds in her frontal, temporal, and occipital lobes. The trauma caused her brain to shift in two directions, severing critical connections between the left and right sides—one of the most severe forms of brain injury. She also has a collapsed left lung, a broken clavicle, multiple rib fractures, and facial fractures involving her eye socket, cheekbone, and temporal area that will require surgery.

She has bruises, contusions, and fluctuating temperatures, and this morning she had to be sedated again due to her blood pressure rising—it’s simply too much for her body to handle all at once this early on. Her brain pressure remains stable, which is a blessing. The good news is, when they began reducing her sedation earlier, she responded by moving her arm to the ventilator and opened her eyes—beautiful signs that she’s still with us, still fighting. Last night we spoke with the neurosurgeon of the severity of the injury sustained, and what her future holds. Her life will be drastically changed. We are still unsure of the full extent. She has had CT scans, however, she will require an MRI when she is more stable.

Today is also a very special day—it’s Teagan’s 10th birthday. Tori’s mother’s intuition is strong; we know, deep down, she feels it. She knows this is his day. We are holding her hand, telling her over and over that her babies love her and that she is surrounded by endless love.

At this time I am assisting Trenton in organizing everything on her behalf, ensuring that her affairs, rent, and bills back home are taken care of while she fights this battle. We are working closely with her son Trenton (18), who has shown incredible strength and maturity as he navigates this unimaginable situation. He is working with an attorney to help handle necessary matters, and I could not be prouder of his courage. His mother is his everything. He does ask that you respect that we can not reach out to everyone but it is appreciated being contacted and he will not do individual updates. All news will be updated here.

Right now, we are asking for continued prayers, love, and healing energy for both Tori and Mikaila. Please keep sending your messages and memories of your times together—I am reading them all to her. She can hear us, and your words matter more than you know.

Christina suggested we should plan a candlelight vigil soon so that friends, family, and all those who love her can come together in prayer and strength. I will update plans on that.

If you would like to help, we are also accepting donations to assist with Tori’s living expenses, medical needs, and to support Trenton and Teagan during this time. Every contribution—no matter how small—means the world to this family. But most importantly, we ask for your faith, prayers, and belief in her miracle. Her loved ones are pouring into her and she feels that.

Tori is a fighter. There is not a single person who doesn't know she is the strongest person we know. She is a light in so many lives and made such an impact. She’s a warrior. She’s strong, fierce, and loved beyond measure. We believe in her miracle.

#TorisMiracle

-Danielle