Support Rachel and Emma's Healing Journey
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On October 13, 2024 the Schwartz family was involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident, leaving Rachel and Emma with severe, life-altering injuries. Both are now facing an uncertain, difficult road to recovery, filled with surgeries, medical treatments, and rehabilitation. We have created this GoFundMe to help relieve the financial burden on their family during this time of need.
Emma’s Injuries and Progress
Emma’s right leg was broken in several places due to the accident. She has already undergone two surgeries, with one more needed before she can even begin the long process of rehabilitation. Emma is showing small but steady progress—her blood counts are stable, and she’s been uplifted by visits from cousins, enjoying their company with conversations and games of Uno. However, her journey is far from over, and she will need extensive care and therapy in the coming months. Your continued prayers for successful surgeries, pain relief, and emotional strength are deeply appreciated.
Rachel’s Critical Condition
Rachel suffered multiple traumatic injuries, including a severe brain injury. She remains completely immobilized in the ICU and is on a ventilator, receiving around-the-clock care. Rachel has already had two emergency brain surgeries to relieve swelling, as well as surgery on her lungs, which were also damaged in the accident. Although her condition is currently stable, it remains critical, with the medical team monitoring her closely.
In addition to her brain and lung injuries, Rachel sustained several pelvic fractures and facial fractures. However, these fractures cannot be addressed until she stabilizes enough to safely undergo further surgeries. Rachel’s recovery will be long, with many challenges still ahead. Please pray for the swelling and bruising in her brain to subside, for her brain to regain full function and for her lungs to heal, and for her overall condition to stabilize so she can begin the difficult path toward recovery.
The Family’s Situation
Rachel does not have short-term or long-term disability coverage, which leaves her without income during this extended recovery period. The medical bills are already mounting, and given the severity of her injuries, the family anticipates ongoing expenses for surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. As the needs continue to grow, we may need to increase the fundraising goal to ensure the family has the resources to get Rachel and Emma the care they need.
On top of these financial challenges, Rachel’s parents, Wayne and Michelle, and her husband, Alex, have been displaced by this emergency. The accident occurred over 1,300 miles from their home in Cape Coral, Florida, and Rachel and Emma are receiving care at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Wayne, Michelle, and Alex are staying near the hospital to be with them every step of the way, which has resulted in additional expenses.
How You Can Help
Your donations will go directly toward covering medical bills, rehabilitation, and essential living expenses while the family remains far from home. Every contribution will allow Wayne, Michelle, and Alex to focus on what matters most—supporting Rachel and Emma through their recovery—without the added stress of financial hardship.
Above all, the Schwartz family asks for your prayers. Please pray for Rachel’s healing—that her brain swelling will subside and be fully restored, that her lungs will recover, and she will stabilize enough to undergo the surgeries needed for her pelvic and facial fractures. Emma also needs your prayers for successful surgeries, pain relief, and the strength to begin her rehabilitation journey. We believe in the power of prayer and trust that God’s mercy and grace will carry them through this difficult time.
Thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support. Every donation, every share, and every prayer makes a difference. Please join us in helping the Schwartz family by sharing this page with others. Together, we can provide strength and hope during this unimaginable journey toward healing.
Fundraising team: Fundraiser Team (4)
Angela Yoder
Organizer
Cape Coral, FL
Michelle Schwartz
Beneficiary
Alex Brading
Team member
Janice Polo
Team member
Thomas Patterson
Team member