Help Sam's Family Recover from Devastating Crash

Charlene Dengler is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Kimberly VanHorn.

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Hello. My name is Char and I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my youngest brother and his family. If you haven't heard, there was a horrible multiple car accident on I-96 that caused cars to catch on fire, caused the death of 4 people, and sent 17 people to the hospital with a variety of injuries. My brother Sam, his wife Kim, and their son Alex were in one of the cars involved in this tragic accident while on their way home from the MPHS Marching Band State Competition at Ford Field. Instead of ending their night in a high note, they ended up literally fighting for their life as their car was engulfed in flames after they were struck from behind on I-96. After being rescued from the wreckage they were transported to Sparrow hospital and all three were evaluated throughout the night. This morning Kim was cleared for discharge. Her known injuries appear to be cuts, bruises, swelling, and a HUGE hematoma affecting her left hip making it painful to move. Later in the day it was decided that even though there are three different breaks in Alex's lumbar spine, he was ok to be discharged because apparently the breaks are not in a weight bearing location. He also suffered extensive abrasions, as well as scattered cuts and bruises. He is in immense pain. Sam has been admitted to the hospital. The extent of his injuries are still unknown. What is know, is that he has a head injury, neck injury, lung injury, fractured ribs, spinal pain, left shoulder pain, right elbow pain, chest wall pain, and he may have gotten glass in his eyes. Sam, Kim, and Alex feel that they have received amazing care throughout this ordeal. They want to extend a heart felt thank you to the rescue crews, the officers and civilians that assisted in their rescue, all the Sparrow staff, their MPHS MARCHING BAND family, their friends and family, and the local community members who have reached out to them. This is where it gets personal. Sam and Kim live a life where they, like many of us, live pay check to pay check. They have no means to supplement their income and pay all of their bills, support their three younger children, and replace their vehicle while they are off work recovering. It is our greatest hope that the generosity of our community can help them through this dark time. We ask that you donate to this cause only what you can comfortably afford and if you cannot assist financially, that you please share this post. Our family thanks all of you in advance for your kindness and support.

Update: Our family is humbled by the generosity and out pouring of love and support from all of you! We are super appreciative of all the acts of kindness! Please know that all funds donated are being used for cost of living, medical deductibles, and if there is enough... hopefully a down payment on a different vehicle. I was contacted by a nice individual encouraging me to raise the amount of the financial goal set and I explained to this person that we are a humble family and do not want to appear as if we are taking advantage of any situation or anyone. That we normally try to take care of our family needs within our own circle but this crisis is beyond what we can manage by ourselves. I said this because it is true. However, it has become evident, that our family is bigger than we knew because we feel like we have been adopted by all of you and that is a blessing beyond measure! So, because we have no idea how this works, I am going to take this kind person's advice and raise the financial goal...but please know that we are EXTREMELY THANKFUL for the kindness already displayed. We of course will always pay it forward when we can and we will post updates on their medical journey as they evolve. Have a blessed day everyone!

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