Dear caring friends, loving family, and our compassionate community, Today, I come to you with a heavy heart, seeking your kindness and support during one of the most challenging times our family has ever faced. On July 6, 2024, a devastating car accident forever changed the lives of my dear mother, Rafaela, and her two precious grandchildren, Catalina (5) and Riley (3). The accident happened on Airline Rd, a speeding Camaro collided with my mother's car, leaving Catalina, only 5 years old, with severe injuries that are difficult to comprehend. She endured a fracture of the first two vertebrates, a brain injury, and her head was tragically separated from her neck. Her little body also suffered bruising to her internal organs, and she broke her left leg. We thank God that she is still with us today. Catalina was rushed to the PICU, and as the hours passed, we faced even more heartache. Paralysis began to grip her whole right side, and her right lung stopped functioning. The doctors bravely took on a never before attempted 8-hour spine emergency surgery, unsure if she would survive. Their expertise and dedication shone through as they saved her life, but the journey was far from over. She spent a week in sedation, fighting for breath with both lungs and today, July 27, 2024, she wears a neck brace and a leg cast, and is still unable to move her right arm. For Riley, who is just 3 years old, the accident also brought its own set of challenges. He, too, suffered a brain injury and bruised organs, but the most heartbreaking news came when we learned he would be paralyzed from the waist down for life as there is currently no surgery that can repair the damages. Our little angel, who should be running and playing, faces a future that no child should ever endure. Our hearts ache for my sister and her husband as their lives have been completely altered. The emotional toll is immense, and the financial strain is daunting. Their medical insurance is capped and the expenses keep piling up, leaving them struggling to cover the costs of crucial medical treatments and rehabilitation for their beloved children. To add to the difficulties, my sister's food truck, her source of income and passion, had to be closed as she dedicates every moment to being by her children's side. Meanwhile, her husband is working tirelessly, taking on overtime to provide for the family. They are currently at the Memorial Herman Rehabilitation Center, giving all their time to support their children's recovery. As a family, we find ourselves facing a mountain of expenses that we never could have imagined. The modifications needed for their home to accommodate Catalina and Riley who will both be in a wheelchair, along with medical bills, physical therapy, psychological support, and a specially adapted vehicle, are incredibly overwhelming. With a humble heart, we turn to you, our dear community, friends, and family, for a helping hand. Your support, no matter the size, will make an immeasurable difference in the lives of these innocent souls. Together, let us offer hope and healing to Rafaela, Catalina, and Riley, showing them that they are not alone in this struggle. Our appreciation knows no bounds for your compassion and generosity. Your prayers and well-wishes are equally cherished and will be a source of strength for us all. Thank you from the depths of our hearts and God Bless. With gratitude and love, The Brown, Almendarez Family.
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