A fundraiser was started for a McHenry family after the mother and two children were hospitalized following a head-on crash in Fox Lake last Sunday.
A GoFundMe was organized by James Cassidy, a friend and neighbor of the Dayment family.
The Fox Lake Fire Protection District and Fox Lake Police Department responded around 12:10 p.m. on November 7 to Route 12 and Riverside Island Drive in Fox Lake for a report of a vehicle crash.
Fox Lake Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Larry VanHoorelbeke said the crash involved two vehicles that collided head-on and both sustained heavy front-end damage.
Crews determined there were eight people injured, VanHoorelbeke said.
Police said a preliminary investigation showed a Toyota sedan involved was traveling northbound on Route 12.
The Toyota slowed down for a vehicle in front of it that was turning into a driveway.
The driver of the black Dodge Utility involved did not realize the Toyota was slowing down and the Dodge crossed into the southbound lane.
The Dodge struck a silver Jeep SUV that was traveling southbound on Route 12.
Cassidy said that Sindy, Scarlett and Peyton Dayment were in the black Dodge Utility.
Sindy, the mother, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville with a fractured shoulder and compound leg fracture.
She is a school bus driver, but she will not be able to work for the time being due to her injuries, Cassidy said.
She has already undergone one surgery and more are planned.
She has since been released from the hospital and she is staying with her mother while she waits for her second surgery, Cassidy said.
Scarlett, the 3-year-old daughter, was flown by a LifeNet medical helicopter to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge for precautionary measures.
Doctors determined she was okay, Cassidy said.
Peyton, the other child, was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center and has since been released.
“Even though the kids have come through the experience more or less ok physically, it was still a traumatic experience and it’s been very difficult for them,” Cassidy said.
Josh, the father, is a disabled veteran who has not been able to work due to his disability.
“Between normal bills. medical bills, and the upcoming holidays, this family will be in for some tough times. Although only time will heal Sindy’s injuries, financial assistance will go a long way toward keeping this family afloat in the upcoming days, weeks, and months.”
Nearly $3,000 was raised for the family as of Sunday evening. The fundraiser has a goal of raising $10,000.
“They’re good people who have already been going through some tough times,” Cassidy said. “I realize that times are tough all around, but if there’s anything you can spare it would be greatly appreciated by the family.”