On November 27, 2003, Krista Rausin’s 10 year old daughter, Arielle, was a passenger in her grandparent’s 1997 Buick Park Avenue when it was rear-ended by another vehicle. As a result, Arielle was rendered a paraplegic. Krista, her husband, Eric and their two children reside in Cape Coral, Florida. Krista and Eric are primary caregivers to Arielle, who continues to amaze the family and entire community with her spirit, and has not let her wheelchair slow her down. She is an avid athlete who participates in 5K races and fought for and won the right to be on her school’s track team. Krista spent the first two years after the accident coming to grips with her daughter’s injury, but sadness was eventually replaced with perseverance and joy.
On April 6, 2006, Kristy Foll’s 9 year old daughter, Kaylee, was a passenger in her grandmother’s 2003 Chevrolet Venture Minivan when it was hit by a dump truck whose driver had run a red light. As a result, Kaylee sustained a severe brain injury. Kristy and her husband Nathan reside in Clermont, Florida where they are raising three children. A former EMT, Kristy is now full-time caregiver to Kaylee. Throughout the painful ordeal, Kristy and her husband have relied upon the strength of friends, family and co-workers. She continues to heal and help her daughter thrive despite her permanent brain injury. During Kaylee’s hospital stay, it became apparent to Kristy, as a medical professional herself, that many in the field of patient care did not understand what the family of a patient is going through after such a tragedy. As a result, Kristy’s goal is to visit hospitals to help implement sensitivity training for care providers.
On April 28, 2002, Sandra Sigourney was involved in a rollover accident after her 1996 Honda Passport left the roadway. As a result of the accident, Sandy sustained a neck injury rendering her a quadriplegic. Sandy and her husband, Frank have three children. Prior to the accident Sandy worked as a teacher and guidance counselor at a Lake Mary, Florida high school. She credits her close-knit family as well as support from her friends and church members for helping her cope emotionally after the accident. Although Sandy needs assistance to perform even the most basic tasks, she has regained a sense of peace and gratitude for her life.
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