Lexi Boleski, left, and Abigail Boleski, right.
An online fundraiser has been launched to aid the family of two teen sisters who suffered serious injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Hilltown Township last Friday morning.
The sisters, identified as 17-year-old Lexi Boleski and 15-year-old Abigail Boleski, were driving along the 700 block of South Perkasie Road at 6:57 a.m. on Jan. 17 when their vehicle crashed into a utility pole. Both Lexi and Abigail became trapped as a result of the crash, and multiple area fire companies worked to free the teens.
Once out of the vehicle, Lexi was taken via ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, for treatment of four broken ribs, a broken collar bone, a broken wrist and collapsed and bruised lungs. According to her family, Lexi underwent one surgical procedure and a second may be necessary, but she was released from the hospital on Sunday.
Abigail, who was airlifted from the scene to Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children, currently remains in critical condition, as she suffered fractures to her spine, right scapula, pelvis and left occipital bone, along with a severe contusion to the frontal lobe of her brain, a shift of her bladder, lumbar damage and other injuries. She remains in the pediatric ICU on a breathing tube, though her family told North Penn Now that she has become more responsive, and is mouthing words, blinking and using other methods to communicate with her family.
Though the crash currently remains under investigation by the Hilltown Township Police Department and Bucks County Crash Investigation Team, Alysia Boleski, who is the mother of the teens, told North Penn Now that Lexi said she had swerved to avoid a trash can that had blown in front of the vehicle, then lost control and crashed into the utility pole.
Alysia said both teens had bruising patterns on their chests, consistent with them wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Following the accident, 28-year-old Jessica Hughes, of Perkasie, launched a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help the Boleski family in their time of need. Hughes said the Boleski’s moved into the home next door to her parents’ house in 2007, and she has been friends with the family for the 12 to 13 years since.
Knowing the extent of the injuries, as well as the anticipated and prolonged recovery periods expected for both of the sisters, Hughes contacted the Boleski’s for information, and with the help of their eldest daughter, Chelsea, the fundraiser was launched.
As of the time this article was published, the fundraiser has brought in nearly $7,500 of the $20,000 goal. That level of support from the community is something the Boleski family has found themselves clinging to in recent days, as they try to process what happened while simultaneously being strong for Lexi and Abigail.
“It’s made us appreciate each other a lot more,” said Alycia, in a tearful interview with North Penn Now. “We all live together, seven in house total, and this situation showed us that life is too short, and things can be taken away in a second.”
Alycia said that the outpouring of support has meant a lot to her and her husband, Peter, who have spent the days since the accident driving back and fourth to be with their daughters. The family added that their homeowner’s association has started a meal train for the family, assisted by many friends, family members and even total strangers.
“My husband and I, Chelsea and Lexi, we’re all completely overwhelmed by the love and prayers,” said Alycia. “Even strangers are praying. We are strong Christian family and we believe in the power of prayer. It means so much to know everyone is there for us.”
Still, Lexi and Abigail have a long road to recovery, and with Lexi now homebound and Abigail relegated to a hospital room with no visitors allowed, Alycia had one request for the community: a greeting card drive, to let the girls know that the community is behind them.
“Especially for Abigail, who is more of an introvert than a social butterfly, it would be incredible if she could wake up and see cards from her friends, family and members of the community,” said Alycia. “She wants to be a veterinary technician, and loves animals, dragons and dinosaurs. Now we’re just hoping that she’ll recover and be able to walk again.”
Cards to Lexi and Abigail can be sent to them by name at 34 Country Road, Perkasie, PA, 18944.
Additionally, the Pennridge Ice Hockey Club will be hosting a 50/50 raffle for the Boleski family at their match against Quakertown on Jan. 22 at Hatfield Ice World.
See also:
Two Teens Hospitalized After Single-Vehicle Crash In Hilltown Township On Friday
Man Injured After Vehicle Overturns During Crash in Lansdale
Details, Cause Of Knapp Road Vehicle Crash Released
Crews Responding To Overturned Vehicle, Entrapment On Knapp Road
Elderly Woman Dies Following Vehicle Crash On County Line Road (UPDATED)
