Community Helping a Darboy Family Struck by Numerous Tragedies

Darboy, WI --A Darboy family has been through more tragedy in the past few years than most people experience in a lifetime. Now, the community is wrapping their arms around them to help them heal emotionally, physically and financially.

23-year-old Ellie Schaefer loves to cook. She has autism and was independent up until a few years ago when two biking accidents caused a traumatic brain injury.

"Things that maybe you can do with a 5-year-old, I can't do with a 23-year-old," explained Ellie's mother, Susan Lewis.

In a quest to help her daughter heal, Susan took her doctor's advice and began traveling to Colorado and Texas for specialized treatment. Besides the brain injury, a benign growth in the core of Ellie's brain also appeared on the scans.

"One image alone is $3,900, so it's been difficult," Susan said.

Health insurance won't cover the out-of-state care. Then, tragedy struck again. In April, a candle lit Ellie's room on fire and destroyed much of the house. Ellie's step dad was hospitalized with burns after rescuing her from the flames. Then during rebuilding of the home, flooding damaged their basement.

"I just struggle everyday because of the house fire, and yeah it's hard on me," said Ellie.

Susan adds, "I always tell my girlfriends if I allowed myself to cry I'd never stop, so I don't."

Now those girlfriends are organizing a benefit to get the family back on their feet.

"It's just a blessing for me to help people who have always had my back," said benefit organizer Connie Thomas.

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Community Helping a Darboy Family Struck by Numerous Tragedies