Cristen and Dustin Haire are living a nightmare.
On Monday, October 13th at 5:30 pm, Cristen and her two young
daughters were in a horrific vehicle accident that claimed the life of
their infant daughter and critically injured their 4 year old. Little
Aubrey, just 8 months old and 4 year old Brooke were gravely injured
and sent to the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, NC. Sadly
Aubrey died in Cristen's arms.
Brooke’s brain stem was severed from her spine and doctors think
she will be paralyzed from the neck down. On October 19th, doctors
performed a complex surgery to fuse her spinal cord and brain stem
back together using a graft from her hip. They also cleared mucus from
her left lung to make breathing easier. The procedure was successful
and doctors were able to uses wire instead of screws which is better
for her a child her size. Brooke also suffered a brain injury that has
compromised her breathing, swallowing, and possible her cognitive
abilities. Doctors are not sure if she will regain her speech or what
brain processing will return. She is scheduled for a second surgery
today, October 21st, to place a g-tube for feeding and a have
tracheotomy so she will be able to have breathing help from a
ventilator.
Cristen, 24 and Dustin, 33 are now planning Aubrey’s funeral
from Brooke’s bedside. They have yet to leave the hospital since the
accident and are still in a state shock. We can’t even begin to
imagine the pain and anguish they are suffering. Friends and family
from Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina have raised over $8,000 for
the family but that will only scratch the surface of what they will
need. Cristen only works part time and she and Dustin have not been
able to return to work. Before the accident the Haire’s were living
paycheck to paycheck and just getting by week to week. Now besides all
they are dealing with at the hospital, they are worrying about how
they are going to cover out of pocket medical expenses.
Todd Harmon, of Bethlehem Angels Tyler & Olivia Harmon sent
us the Haire family as special cause request. The Haires are friends
of one of Todd’s clients, and if your remember, Todd was the first to
step up to help Tripp Halsted Updates after Tripp’s accident.
The RTGA in turn helped Todd and his family when they had a terrible
car accident last year. Brooke’s injury is the same one Todd’s son
Tyler suffered in their car accident…we know from his progress that
there is hope. It is extremely important to the Harmon family to pay
it forward after receiving such support from the RTGA after their ordeal.
This is a tragedy no family should have to go through. The uncertainty that lies ahead is simply terrifying, and they are living moment to moment to save Brooke, say goodbye to sweet Aubry, and begin to rebuild their lives and live their “new normal”. We are not setting a goal because this family’s needs will be endless. Instead we will run the fundraiser until Monday 10/27 to see just how much Ride to Give Army love we can show them in prayers and donations. Please help us help the Haire family.
To keep up with Brooke's recovery, please follow their page on Facebook HERE.
