Photo via GoFundMe.com
The community is rallying behind a Peterborough-area family after a serious collision left 17-year-old Makenna Sinden-Flemming in critical condition.
The teenager was involved in a head-on crash on Friday, June 6, and had to be airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. She has undergone multiple surgeries, with more expected, and remains on life support.
Makenna, who was just days away from prom and weeks from graduation and her 18th birthday, had been looking forward to a milestone summer before starting college. She has two younger siblings who are now struggling with the sudden absence of their big sister.
Her mother Katie and the rest of the family are now staying in Toronto, unable to work as they remain by her side. It’s the second medical crisis the family has faced in recent months — Katie had only recently returned to work after taking time off to care for her son Ryker, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Those caregiver benefits are now exhausted.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover the mounting costs of travel, accommodation, therapy, and ongoing care. Organizers say the financial pressure is significant and will grow as Makenna begins what is expected to be a long and difficult recovery.
The family has also expressed deep gratitude to the bystanders who acted quickly at the scene, including people who smashed through a window to reach Makenna and supported her neck until paramedics arrived. Thanks have also been extended to emergency responders from the Trent Lakes area, as well as staff at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Sunnybrook Hospital.
Supporters are being asked to keep the family in their thoughts and to contribute if they’re able. Plans are also underway for a community meal train to help in the weeks ahead.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
