Family is the most important thing in the world.
When disaster strikes, it is essential to be able to draw on the support of loved ones. No one proves the power of sticking together better than these four children.
Just months ago, the Clemens family was a happy clan who lived together in Texas. Jim and Karisa Clemens lovingly raised their 5 children, teaching them the value of having each other. On April 7, 2018, a tragedy occurred that would change the children’s lives forever.
The whole gang was in the car, on the way back from a family outing.
As they drove down the highway, a vehicle crossed the meridian and crashed into the Clemens’ Suburban. Jim, Karisa, and their 2-month-old daughter Julieanna were killed.
The other four children, whose names are Angela, Zachary, Wyatt, and Nicholas, all sustained significant injuries. Not only were their hearts broken from losing their parents, their bodies were physically broken as well.
Teresa Burrell, the children’s great aunt, took them under her wing and worked to get them the medical care they needed. All of the kids were sent to the hospital, where they stayed for multiple nights.
Nicholas, who is 2 years old, was the first to be released. Days after the accident he was able to leave the hospital. His siblings, however, weren’t so lucky.
Wyatt, age 4, had brain trauma and strokes caused by the crash. He was paralyzed on his left side. Zachary, who is 5 years old, sustained bruised lungs and a broken back.
Angela, who is 8 years old, had the worst injuries. She was in a coma for a week after the crash. When she finally came to, she had to deal with broken legs and severe head trauma.
These children were going through so much, but they never lost sight of what was important. They reunited with each other as soon as they could. Angela and Zachary grouped together even before they left the hospital.
A physical therapist caught this sweet moment on camera, and it has since gone viral.
The brother and sister lay together in the hospital bed, holding hands and clinging to hope. The image has pulled on the hearts of people all over the world.
Teresa started an online fundraiser to pay for the financial costs of this horrific event. She gratefully keeps donors up to date on the children’s progress.
“The children will need extensive care for many months,” the woman explained on her page. “We are seeking funds to help with the funeral arrangements and for medical care [for] these sweet little children.”
The family’s plight captured the hearts of thousands. In less than a month over 4,000 people have pitched in to raise $217,000. The kids still have a little ways to go before their medical costs are covered, but it is heartwarming to see people jumping to help these poor children.
Through it all, the Clemens kids have kept their spirits up. They show each other endless love and support, which is essential at a time like this.
“We have all been moved by [the kids’] faith, courage, and support [for] one another,” Burrell posted on Facebook. “It is a testament of their wonderful parents.”
The best news of all is that the children are recovering. Their doctors were surprised at how much progress they made in just a few weeks. Wyatt has been training with a physical therapist, and he is now able to lift his left arm above his head and throw a ball. “Now they have to make sure he doesn’t try to run away from them because he doesn’t have his balance yet,” Teresa shared.
Zachary has respiratory problems, and he will have to undergo a lot of surgeries before he can be considered healthy again. At least he has his family by his side.
These kids have shown an unbelievable amount of courage in light of the circumstances. Their strong bonds and steady recoveries are proof that with love all things are possible. We can only hope that one day they will each be as healthy as they were before that tragic accident.
If you would like to donate to the family’s medical bills and funeral expenses, please visit their Facebook donation page.
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