On Saturday September 19th, Officer Yasenia Cerda was involved in a terrible car accident after working a double shift. While leaving work on US 52 a grain truck pulled out in front of her. Yasenia swerved to avoid it but unfortunately was unable to and she became trapped in her car by the bumper of the truck. After having to use the jaws of life to get her out, Yasenia was immediately life-flighted from the scene as she battled for her life. Doctors had to immediately do surgery in order to save her legs and her life. She has a broken right femur, a broken left tibia, a broken left knee cap, a broken arm and possible brain bruising. Doctors expect that she will continue to be in the hospital over the next two weeks and then will spend several weeks in an acute rehab facility.
We all know Officer Cerda as a fighter, one who works overtime regularly in order to provide for her family. Her and her family have been through more recently then most of us will ever have to go through in our entire lives. Her significant other is a recent cancer survivor and stays home to provide a good life for their 2 children. They work hard to raise their 4-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. Yasenia did everything possible to help her family during this trying time including bumping to a different shift, swapping time off to be there for the cancer treatments, and working overtime as often as she could. Officer Cerda has been a correctional officer at Sheridan for two years and also has a sister that is a correctional officer at Pontiac correctional center.
We are asking for donations in order to help this family get through these trying times. At the moment Yasenia is bringing in the sole income for the family. They will need help with medical expenses, bills, food and future rehabilitation costs. The holidays are right around the corner as well and we want to make sure that we come together as an extended family to help theirs. Thank you all for all the help and support during this trying time!