On October 27, 2026, at approximately 6:40 a.m., 14-year-old Emma was walking to school, just like any other morning. She was crossing at 5th Street and Omaha Street, using the designated crosswalk with the pedestrian signal giving her the right of way.

In a matter of seconds, her life changed.

A driver turning right onto Omaha Street struck Emma with his Jeep. According to information shared with the family, Emma was dragged a significant distance before becoming separated from the vehicle. Instead of stopping to help, the driver allegedly fled the scene.

Thankfully, several Good Samaritans stopped, blocked traffic, and helped protect Emma until emergency responders arrived. The driver has since been arrested and is reportedly facing a felony hit-and-run charge.

Emma is only 14 years old. She should be worrying about school, friends, and what the future holds—not fighting through the pain and trauma of such a devastating accident.

Emma is an incredibly bright young girl who takes advanced math and English classes, participates in Math League, and plays the violin in orchestra. She has so much ahead of her.

Although we are beyond thankful that Emma’s life is not in danger, she has a very long road to recovery.

Emma has already undergone surgery to repair three broken bones in her left hand. She also sustained serious injuries to her left arm, ear, and chest that will require additional surgeries, reconstructive procedures, skin grafts, and extensive healing.

Right now, Emma needs her mom more than ever.

Her mother has been staying by her side in the hospital, providing the comfort, love, and support that only a parent can give during such a frightening time.

Because her mom is remaining at the hospital with Emma, she is currently unable to work. While Emma continues to receive medical treatment and faces additional surgeries, the everyday financial responsibilities do not stop.

Bills still need to be paid. Housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other necessities still cost money. On top of those expenses, there will be medical bills, follow-up appointments, and other costs associated with Emma’s recovery.

No mother should have to choose between being at her injured child’s bedside and worrying about how she is going to keep up with the bills.

This GoFundMe is being created to support both Emma and her mom during this incredibly difficult time.

Donations will help provide financial relief so Emma’s mom can continue being there for her daughter without the added stress of losing income. Funds will help cover everyday living expenses, medical-related costs, transportation, and other necessities throughout Emma’s recovery.

Emma’s mom is doing exactly what any loving mother would want to do—staying beside her daughter when she needs her most. Our goal is to help make that possible for as long as Emma needs her.

Emma was simply trying to get to school that morning. She was doing everything right. She was in the crosswalk, had the right of way, and deserved to make it to school safely.

Instead, she is now facing multiple surgeries, a long recovery, and challenges no 14-year-old should ever have to experience.

We cannot undo what happened, but we can come together as a community to help Emma and her mom through what comes next.

Whether you can donate $5, $10, $20, or simply share this fundraiser, every act of kindness matters.

Let’s help take some of the financial burden off this mother so she can focus on helping her daughter heal.

Emma deserves to get back to being a kid. Her mom deserves to be by her side without the constant worry of how they will make ends meet.

Please consider donating, sharing, and keeping Emma and her mom in your thoughts as they navigate this long journey together.

Let’s come together for Emma. ❤️