Response for Deerfield Train Crash Victim Grows

As Lucia Ruiz, a Caruso Middle School sixth grader, recovers from severe injuries sustained in a train crash July 24 in Spain that killed 79 people and injured more than 100, family friends in Deerfield continue to help.

While Lucia lies in a hospital in Spain with multiple broken bones and other injuries, people in Deerfield have been busy sending love and raising money on the internet. A group of family friends started a website as a vehicle to send wishes and help the family.

Lucia was traveling with her sister, Maria, a South Park Elementary School third grader, aunt and uncle. The aunt and uncle were also injured and spent time in intensive care with Lucia, but Maria was uninjured.

Maria may have been the only passenger who was not hurt, according to a family friend. Lucia is getting better but the injuries are extensive.

“Lucia is progressing and her many fractures are slowly healing,” writes Sara Breyfogle today on the website. “She is having trouble with her sciatic nerve and will have some tests done.  Her uncle has not done as well and recently had another surgery.  Our prayers are with them.”

Since August 6, $44,256 has been raised to help defray the expenses which continue to mount and 11 people have sent hugs. Click here to do either. Only 37 hours remain in this campaign, according to information on the website.

“Lucia, I'm glad to hear you're making big steps in your recovery,” writes Michael Powell in one of the hugs. “I'm sorry to read about what you, Maria, and your families are going through. Please know you're all in my thoughts.”

A return to Deerfield is not yet scheduled, but Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is making plans to ease things as much as possible for Lucia and Maria when they are back in school.

 “We are preparing our resources to assure a smooth transition when they come back,” District Communications Director Cathy Kedjidjian said. “We will help them with any social and emotional issues they may experience.”

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