People are rallying to support a Kelowna couple that was recently involved in a significant crash while driving through the Kootenays.
Kelowna resident Nicholas Rastas has created the online fundraiser for Hernan and Valentina, who are originally from Argentina but have been living in the Central Okanagan for the last three years.
Rastas says the “severe” accident happened near Cranbrook as they were driving to Invermere while grandma and grandpa were in Canada to meet their new two-month-old grandson.
“While their baby miraculously survived without injury, the emotional and physical toll on the rest of the family has been devastating,” Rastas wrote.
Grandma nearly lost her arm, Rastas explained, and needed reconstructive surgery to save it, as well as spinal surgery to fix other major damage.
Grandpa, meanwhile, needed surgery as well to fix a fractured vertebrae he suffered in his neck.
What has made this already-challenging situation even more troublesome is that the family’s travel insurance has reportedly failed them at a critical time.
“Despite having purchased coverage for emergencies like this, the insurance company (is) making it difficult to access any money,” said Rastas.
“This means that the family is facing over $100,000 in medical bills—a staggering amount that they simply cannot afford.”
Funds raised will help cover the cost of surgeries, hospital stays and medications, along with travel and accommodation for family members who have had to fly to Canada to assist during their recovery.
If you would like to support Hernan, Valentina and the family financially during this difficult time, you can do so by clicking this link.
