UPDATE - 11/17/25
Whitney has been showing unbelievable strength through every step of this journey. All of her surgeries are now completed, and although the process has been intense…from major facial repairs to adapting to a tracheotomy, and soon learning how to walk again, she continues to meet each challenge with courage and stays calm, steady, and focused on healing. She’s had several emotional and beautiful visits with Milo, doing everything she can to stay composed for him and enjoying that special mother and son one on one time. Day by day she’s making progress by learning how to breathe and communicate with the trach, staying relaxed, and finding small moments of peace. Her medical team remains incredibly caring and attentive, keeping her as comfortable as possible while she gains strength. Whitney has shared how deeply she feels the love, prayers, and support coming from every direction, and how grateful she is for every person who has held her and Milo in their hearts through all of this. As she stabilizes and recovers from the surgeries, the next step will be entering rehab to continue her healing. Her family is beyond thankful for every prayer, message, donation, and ounce of support. It’s carried them through the darkest moments and continues to mean the world. ❤️
On November 4, our lives changed in an instant. Whitney Barney was seriously injured in a devastating car accident and is currently in the ICU at Lahey Medical Center. She has already undergone major surgery to repair facial injuries and stop internal bleeding, with more surgeries ahead. Whitney faces a long and difficult road to recovery.
While we are grateful beyond words that her sweet son Milo was unharmed and is safe, Whitney’s ability to work and care for herself has been completely interrupted.
Why We’re Asking for Help
Whitney is a professional photographer — she pours her heart into capturing life’s most beautiful and fragile moments. She is an advocate for all and active in the community, touching more lives than she even knows. Unfortunately, her camera, laptop, and car — the tools that provide her livelihood — were destroyed in the accident.
Her mother, Natalie Barney, will be caring for her full-time once she is released from the hospital, and we’re doing everything we can to ensure she has what she needs to heal physically, emotionally, and financially.
But the reality is:
• Major medical expenses are already piling up
• She will be out of work for an unknown amount of time
• She will need to replace all of her work equipment
• Transportation will need to be figured out when she’s well enough
• The holidays are approaching, making everything feel even heavier
How You Can Make a Difference
If you’re able, any contribution — big or small — will help support:
✔ Medical bills
✔ Costs of ongoing surgeries and rehabilitation
✔ Replacement of her photography equipment
✔ Help with living expenses during recovery
✔ Caring for Whitney while she heals
Even if you can’t donate, your prayers, positive thoughts, and shares mean the world to us.
A Message from Her Family
Whitney is strong, determined, and full of light. Seeing her communicate today through sign language reminded us just how precious every moment is.
We are humbled by the love this community has already shown. Thank you for helping us lift Whitney up when she needs it most. She has a long journey ahead — but she is not walking it alone. ✨