On the evening of Friday, May 8th, our beloved sister, Melanie Cendejas, was involved in a devastating car accident. Shortly after 10:20 PM, Melanie and several friends were traveling southbound on Highway 41 when they encountered a wrong-way driver. The driver, who was reportedly impaired and fleeing law enforcement, struck multiple vehicles before the pursuit tragically came to an end. Melanie was airlifted to the hospital.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, our father received a call as the registered owner of the vehicle and immediately rushed to the hospital. What he found was every family’s worst nightmare. Melanie sustained life-threatening injuries and she remains in critical condition in the ICU.

Melanie was preparing to graduate this June — a milestone she had worked incredibly hard to achieve and was so excited to celebrate with her friends and family. Instead of preparing for one of the happiest moments of her life, she is now facing multiple surgeries and a long, uncertain road to recovery.

The medical care, travel expenses, time away from work, surgeries, rehabilitation, and specialized equipment needed for recovery will be extensive and costly.

Our family is committed to doing everything we can to ease the burden for Melanie and our father through the difficult days ahead.

We are asking for prayers, support, and, if possible, financial assistance during this unimaginable time. If you are unable to donate, we completely understand and simply ask that you keep Melanie, her medical team, the first responders, and everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

We truly believe in the power of prayer, love, and community support.

Thank you for your consideration, any little bit helps.