A big thank you to everyone who has offered prayers, assistance, donations, etc.  The response has been overwhelming. 
We continue to have people offering support in so many ways and the family appreciate all your kindness.
 
In 72 hours after our initial post, the very generous people of Packanack have raised $4,100.00 through drop-offs to either Sue Coliccho or Jill Taliano-Sasso.
 
We continue to plan other fundraising events and will keep everyone posted.  Check out FUNDRAISERS for more. The next event is Yoga on the Beach this upcoming Wednesday. All monies raised will go to the Fund.
 
Thank you so very much and we appreciate your continued support.  Please pass this along to others.

Jill & Sue

More great news! Elissa has been moved out of the ICU and into the Main building at Westchester Medical Center...Room 444!  She has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support by the community. Her surgeries have gone well.

Hi again everyone, I'm very sorry not to post sooner, we've been VERY busy as you can imagine! Elissa had her second surgery yesterday to repair her shoulder, which was broken. Also, the external pins were taken out of her one leg and she is now wearing special braces on both legs. She does have pain and is not comfortable, however I just spoke to her and she told me she feels stronger every day. Today she was able to feel and move all of her toes, as well as her fingers on the right side where the shoulder was broken! This was not the case 2 days ago, so that's excellent news!

I want to extend my most sincere thank yous to everyone who has reached out, offered to help, and offered prayers. We need all of it! None of the Merhiges or Betterbids are accustomed to asking for help, so it's difficult to say, but those who have offered to bring dinner, watch the kids, make a donation or help to finish their move from Wayne to Beacon - THANK YOU, we would be grateful for anything you are able to contribute. 

Elissa is still at Westchester Medical Center in the Trauma ICU, but if the results of today's CAT scan come out positive, they will be moving her into a more normal hospital room where she will be able to receive more visitors, including her kids, which of course we are all looking forward to. Robert, Henry and Sally are doing alright, and will be starting school here in Beacon on Sept. 4th. 

Feel free to post or message me if you have specific questions. I am going to start a Facebook group where people who want to help can post and organize amongst themselves. Hopefully this will connect the NJ and Beacon well-wishers so we can all be in touch about what is needed and what is being taken care of.

From the bottom of our hearts, we are overcome with gratitude for all the love coming our way, and we are relaying all of this to Elissa and she is amazed. THANK YOU.

Boy Scouts of Packanack Lake are also planning a fundraiser. It has been communicated that the Beacon, NY community are also getting together school supplies and whatever else may be needed to get the kids off to school. They're also arranging a hot meal chain in a week or so.  More details will follow.

Just heard from Lori, Elissa's sister, and they'd love help around 10 am tomorrow. They'll only need a few people. Let me know if you're able to stop by. They'll also need someone to take the kids while the adults finish up at the house. Would anyone be willing to host a play date for each of the kids? Please e-mail Hallie Wolford at [email protected]

Just another update. Tom is meeting with the grand jury today regarding the truck driver that hit Elissa's car.  

Sue Collicio is coordinating any efforts as to specifics that the family need. The kids were registered for school and we will shortly know what school supplies the kids need.

As of this morning, Elissa is in and out of sleep. The docs are hoping to rule out neck and spinal issues and remove her brace. Upon waking last night, she wanted to make sure she was alone during the accident. :(

She is in pain and is receiving meds. Her parents are just getting there for visiting hours. 

I failed to mention last night the the doctors are confident she'll walk again. 

Her sister may need help this weekend packing up the house.

Elissa spent 11 hours in surgery yesterday.  She broke both fib & tibula in both legs, broke her pelvis, hip, shoulder and left arm.  She’ll have more surgery this week and is in an induced coma.  Mentally, she is fine and no damage to her head or face.  She is VERY lucky to be alive and has a very long road ahead.  The doctors are saying it could 24 months before she can walk. We are praying for your Elissa! Stay strong.

Times Herald-Record
August 27, 2013 - 7:16 PM
TOWN OF NEWBURGH — A Pennsylvania man was hit with felony charges after reportedly injuring a New Jersey woman in a crash Monday evening on the Newburgh-Beacon bridge.

State police Sgt. Vladimir Horrego said the tractor trailer rig going westbound on I-84 driven by James Tiedeken, 49, veered out of control at 9:30 p.m., crossing the median and colliding head-on with a Subaru driven by Elissa Betterbid, 39.

Betterbid was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie with head, leg and internal injuries, Horrego said.

Tiedeken was charged with vehicular assault, a felony, along with driving while intoxicated and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The bridge remained closed until roughly 4 a.m. Tuesday.