Erin O'Neill Family Fundraiser

My family has lost the most beautiful soul and part of our life. Erin was the greatest blessing to us all. She could find a way to turn the rain into diamonds. On the evening of Tuesday, March 8, 2016 her and her boyfriend Cody Higdon were hit by deer while driving a motorcycle. Erin was thrown off of the bike and lifelined to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with severe Tramatic Brain Injury, multiple skull fractures and multiple broken bones. Cody sustained multiple injuries himself. Once Erin arrived at the hospital she underwent multiple brain scans and exams. Her brain began to swell and the doctors and nurses worked tirelessly to get her brain pressure to come down. They administered medication after medication to bring the swelling down. Unfortunately, as time went by she began to lose the motor function skills that are associated with an active brain stem. She was unconscious and unresponsive to any of the tests. She had a very weak cough on the ventilator, and eventually she was unable to breathe on her own. The swelling in her brain increased and pushed down on her brain stem. The doctors administered one final brain blood flow test that incorporated injecting a solution to show vivid images of brain portions that might still be alive. We prayed relentlessly. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeons saw the results and she was declared brain dead. I write this as her sister, who at this time cannot seem to articulate the severity of the accident and her injuries. I write this in complete and utter devestation for my family. I write this in hopes that Erin's generous nature and transcendent love somehow returns to those who need it most at this time. She always found redemption in everyone. She taught us all by her actions how to forgive. She always managed to find the quirky and funny side of daily life. Please consider any donation for our family. It will be a gift that will assist the family and provide funeral and burial costs to truly give credit to such a beautiful young woman. She had her whole life ahead of her and was taken from us way to soon. Please honor her life and help us honor her properly as well. Erin, in the words of Charlie Puth, "It's been a long day, without you my friend, and I'll tell you all about it when I see you again..." I love you. Mom and Dad love you. Your family and extended family grieve in ways that we do not know how to grieve. As all of your friends say #Ride for Bones #Fly High