By Ben Crnic, Daily Voice
A Rockland County family’s trip to Florida turned into a nightmare when a crash left two young boys fighting for their lives, prompting an outpouring of support from the community.
A GoFundMe fundraiser launched on Tuesday, March 31, is seeking to help the Hlovatsky family of New City after the devastating crash that happened on Saturday, March 28, in North Carolina.
According to the fundraiser, the family — Rockland County Sewer District No. 1 employee Yuriy Hlovatsky and his wife, Yuliya, and their three sons, Deny, age 15, Mark, age 12, and Dave, age 9 — were driving to Florida for a vacation when their vehicle was struck from behind by a pickup truck.
The impact left Mark and Dave critically injured, and both are now in the ICU at WakeMed Raleigh Campus, where they are fighting for their lives.
While the parents did not suffer serious physical injuries, the emotional toll has been overwhelming, according to the Blue and Yellow Foundation, the New Jersey-based nonprofit that started the fundraiser.
“It is impossible to put into words the pain their parents are experiencing right now,” organizers wrote, adding, “The emotional trauma they are going through is beyond anything a parent should ever have to endure.”
The nonprofit said the family is now leaning on the support of their community during this crisis.
As of Wednesday, April 1, the campaign had raised $33,935 toward a $100,000 goal.
Organizers are asking for continued prayers and support as the family faces an uncertain future.
“Right now, the lives of Mark and Dave are in God’s hands,” the fundraiser reads, continuing, “Please keep this family in your thoughts, prayers, and hearts.”
Those interested in donating to the fundraiser can do so by clicking here.