Local Family Needs Your Help

The unthinkable happened to area residents Sean and Jeanne Abernathy. On February 9, the couple was returning home from New York City when Sean fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a tractor-trailer.

Immediately following the accident they were pulled from their vehicle and brought to Albany Medical Center where both were treated for extensive and severe injuries.

Sean and Jeanne were crushed by the impact - both physically and emotionally - but the support of those who care about them has helped them through it every step of the way.
Sean, who works in Saratoga Springs as a postal delivery man, was just released from the hospital on Friday, February 26, but his wife still has a long way to go before she is stable enough to return home. With two broken femurs, a broken hip, an arm broken in two places and significant nerve damage, it will be at least six more weeks before doctors can release Jeanne.

"Her left arm is basically her only appendage that's okay. She's doing much better, but she can't go through rehab until her bones heal, until she is able to bear some weight on her legs," Sean said.

Sean still has a broken leg, his right elbow and triceps had to be reconnected and his left wrist and clavicle are broken, but he is slowly beginning to heal.

But as much pain as he's still in, Sean's six-year-old daughter Erin is keeping him optimistic.

 "My only saving grace was my left leg, but I couldn't be away from Erin. That's what drove me to get out of the hospital," Sean said.

Although happy to be home with his "little girl," Sean anxiously waits for his wife's condition to strengthen so the family can be together again.

As if the Abernathys hadn't been through enough, the insurmountable expenses surrounding such a tragedy hit them like a second blow. And that's where the local community stepped in.

Immediately following the accident, family and friends began helping in every way they knew how. Sean's friends came to the house and build a ramp that extends from the driveway to the front door, making it much easier and far less painful for Sean to get from place to place.

 "I just still can't believe it every day - the accident and the support. People's kindness simply amazes me, I just feel very blessed, very happy to have all these friends and family," Sean said. "I've got a lot of thank yous to get out. It will take a while, but I'm going to thank each and every one who has helped us."

Now, Carol Capone, Sean's former coworker, is organizing a fundraiser event at 13 Night Club on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs set for Sunday, March 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. The combination of a five dollar cover charge, 50-50 raffle, a regular raffle and a silent auction will go toward helping the Abernathys get through their tragedy. "Riff Raff" and "Just Looking," two bands with members close to Sean, are set to play all night.

Capone has planned a fun event for anyone 21 and older who wants to support a local family in need, and celebrate the health and future wellness of Sean and Jeanne.

"I've had so many people contact me to offer their help that I've actually gotten a little overwhelmed myself. But it's a good feeling, yah know?" Carol said. "And a special thanks to Dimitri of 13 for donating the place for the event."

When someone is in need of help, friends and family step in without hesitation. There have been many times throughout my lifetime when my friends and family have been there for me, and this is just my turn to do it for a friend in need.  It is just that simple; they need help, and I asked the community to help me help them, and I thank each and every one of them for it," she said.

For information about the fundraiser or to donate a silent auction item, contact Carol Capone via e-mail at ccapone89@yahoo.com