A devastating car accident in rural Nebraska has left 17-year-old Evelyn "Evey" Laux from Waterford, Wisconsin, paralyzed from the waist down. The incident occurred on January 3rd when Evey was visiting a friend in St. Paul, Nebraska. While her friend sustained only minor injuries, Evey suffered severe spinal damage after losing control of the vehicle and rolling it over. Her parents, who were in Wisconsin at the time, received an alert through their daughter’s phone and immediately made the long journey to be by her side. Despite the grim prognosis, the family remains hopeful and is rallying support for Evey’s recovery and future needs.

Evey’s mother, Connie Laux, detailed the events leading up to the crash on a GoFundMe page she established. During her school break, Evey had persuaded her friend to let her drive his truck. Unfortunately, she lost control while overcorrecting the steering wheel, causing the vehicle to roll over. While Evey’s friend escaped with only minor scratches, Evey was thrown into the backseat and became pinned in a twisted position until emergency workers managed to free her using specialized equipment.

The severity of Evey’s injuries quickly became apparent. A neurosurgeon informed her parents that while the injury was not life-threatening, it would likely result in permanent paralysis due to a severely damaged spine. The first words Evey uttered to her mother after the accident reflected her deep remorse and realization of the challenges ahead: “I am so sorry,” followed by a heartfelt expression of the dreams she feared she would never achieve.

As the family adjusts to this new reality, they are also facing significant financial burdens. Connie explained that they will need to make substantial modifications to their home to accommodate Evey’s wheelchair, including installing lifts, ramps, and other necessary equipment. Additionally, both parents may need to reduce their working hours to provide the high level of care Evey requires. The road to independence for Evey may take several years, but the family remains committed to supporting her every step of the way.

The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. Friends and strangers alike have shared messages of encouragement and positive memories of Evey, reminding the family of the impact she has had on others. This flood of love and support has provided Evey with renewed strength and motivation as she faces the challenges ahead. The sparkle in her eyes when she reads these messages is a testament to the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit.