A brother and sister from Texas who lost their parents and baby sister in a fatal car crash in April have been reunited in hospital for the first time. Their great aunt captured the touching moment and the photograph is heartbreaking.
Alan Clemens and Karisa Brianne Clemens were driving home from a family outing with their five young children when another driver lost control and hit the family’s vehicle head-on, according to KTXS.
Alan, Karisa and their 2-month-old baby girl Juliana were all killed. The Clemens’ four other children, Angela, 8, Zachary, 5, Wyatt, 4, and Nicholas, 2, survived but suffered injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The children’s’ great aunt, Teresa Burrell, said eight-year-old Angela suffered major head injuries and was in a coma for a long time following the accident. She also suffered two broken femurs and is still experiencing memory and brain function issues, according to BuzzFeed News
Zachary, 5, sustained a broken back and a ripped colon while Wyatt, 4, had multiple strokes after the crash. Wyatt also suffered extensive brain injuries and was temporarily paralyzed on his left side.
Weeks of intensive care
Nicholas, 2, suffered minor injuries and was discharged from hospital days after the crash and is staying with their aunt.
After weeks of intensive care, Angela and Zachary were able to be reunited in the hospital for the first time recently. Their great aunt shared a photo of the moving moment on Facebook, writing, “This is Zachary and Angie. They are able to touch each other for the first time since the accident. Our prayers are for these little ones who have a long journey of healing ahead.”
Then came another update about Wyatt, Zachary and Angela: “All 3 kids that are receiving medical care at Cook Children’s are now on the same rehab floor and were finally reunited a few days ago! Wyatt is doing so well. He suffered paralysis on his left side, but through PT has regained strength and movement. He can walk with a spotter, and they are having a hard time convincing him he shouldn’t be running! He is a great comfort and support to his older siblings.
In a lot of pain
Zach is struggling. He has had trouble eating and they have given him a feeding tube to make sure he is receiving adequate nutrition. He is also fighting off infection, and as a result has had a high fever for the past few days. He is in a lot of pain – both physical and emotional – and is our greatest concern at this point.
Angela continues to improve. She is talking more and more each day and is able to read fluently for short stints at a time. She took her first wheelchair ride outside yesterday to check the weather and was glad to be in the sunshine. They are still working on managing her pain as her legs are healing from severe injuries.
As can be expected, all 3 children — especially Zach and Angela — are struggling with grief as they are coming to accept the loss of their parents and baby sister.”
Teresa said although these brave children have a long road to recovery ahead of them, being together again has helped them heal.
“I think it gives them power. They grieve together, but they also find happiness together,” she said.
Those who wish to donate to help cover the cost of the children’s medical bills can click here to learn how.
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