FOUR PEOPLE WERE injured, two critically, in a crash April 12 of a pickup truck and a horse-drawn buggy in Delta County. (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 GoFundMe account on their behalf,” Szlamczynski said 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 a man and woman and two children were 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 but is now home with a broken leg.

Lizzie, 25, is in critical condition at a hospital in Green Bay, Wis., 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 three 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,” Szlamczynski said. “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 said. “If you are unable to donate then please pray for their speedy recovery as everything will help during these trying times.”