The Amish buggy was badly damaged and several occupants injured in the recent Delta County crash. (Courtesy photo)

GLADSTONE — It has been more than two weeks since a truck and buggy accident occurred in Delta County, and now more than $10,000 has been raised in support of the three wounded victims. Organized by Christine Szlamczynski, the GoFundMe has garnered support from residents across the entire Upper Peninsula. The fundraiser can be found online at www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-cornell-amish-family-recoveries, and there are other donation options available as well.

“I have received permission from the Bishop to start this go fund me account on their behalf,” said Szlamczynski in the fundraiser description. “They did not ask for this but I know our community is praying for their recoveries and any monetary donations will help as they have a long road ahead of them. All proceeds will go directly to the family. There is also a donation account set up at First Bank in Escanaba called ‘Amish Family Accident Donation’ if any parties are interested in donating there instead as we are working together on these donation efforts.”

Initial calls for assistance reported that there was a man and woman and two children in the buggy. Early reports stated some of those people suffered injuries. Now it is known that three of the four family members were hospitalized: Maddie, 13, was at OSF is now home but with a broken leg; Lizzie, 25, is in critical condition. She is in the hospital in Green Bay, WI in a medically induced coma with a traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones. The extent of her brain injuries are still unknown at this time; Esther, 38, is still in critical condition and is currently in the UP Health Systems in Marquette, in a medically induced coma. She has a broken neck and 3 broken vertebrae.

“There is an 80% chance that she will be paralyzed as a result of this accident and will require a lifetime of additional care,” said Szlamczynski. “She (had) extensive surgery to repair her pelvis, after already undergoing surgery for her broken neck. Her sternum, ribs, pelvis, hips and neck were all broken in the accident.”

Buggies drawn by horses are not an uncommon sight on many Delta County roads and are used as a means of transportation by members of some religious groups. Some local roads have signs posted warning motorists to be aware of buggy traffic in the area.

“Any donations will truly be appreciated and I will provide updates the best that I can,” Szlamczynski. “If you are unable to donate then please pray for their speedy recovery as everything will help during these trying times.”