Oct 29, 2024
SWANSEA, Mass. (WPRI) — A Swansea mother is calling for support for three motorcyclists critically injured in a crash following a benefit ride for her young daughter. The bikers are among the countless strangers who showed up to support Celestial Houtman's daughter, Saige, who recently underwent life-saving surgery in her battle against biliary atresia, a rare liver disease that has affected Saige since birth. Saige (Photo: Celestial Houtman) The 1-year-old received a liver transplant last month, a procedure that Houtman hopes will finally cure her daughter’s disease. Since the diagnosis, Houtman said they have been overwhelmed by the community's support, with people organizing fundraisers, donating, and helping in countless ways. "It's been incredibly moving to have that kind of community support. I didn't expect it," she said. "We never asked for anything. People just kind of came out of the woodwork and, 'Hey, we want to do this. We want to do that. We want to help. We want to help.' How do you say no?" A fundraiser motorcycle ride was organized for Saige on Saturday, Oct. 19. However, the event took a tragic turn when some riders, leaving early to attend another event, were involved in a crash on I-195 leading to the shutdown of the entire highway. The bikers, a 36-year-old man, a 38-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man, were all taken to the hospital in critical condition and are still fighting to recover nearly two weeks later. BACKGROUND: 3 remain hospitalized after Swansea motorcycle crash While Houtman did not know them personally, she said she was devastated by the news, knowing they showed up to support her daughter. "It just broke my heart knowing that, you know, they came out for my girl … and they didn't have to be on the road that day," Houtman added. Since the crash, Houtman has remained in contact with the bikers’ families and has learned that they are currently recovering in the ICU. Now, she is asking the community to extend the same generosity they showed her family to these motorcyclists. "A lot of the people in the community really came through for us, and you know I've been posting and telling people in our time of need, you came through, but now there's others in time of need and you know hopefully the good deed keeps going," Houtman said. The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has not yet released the identities of those involved in the crash, but a GoFundMe page has been set up for one of the bikers to assist with medical expenses. There's also a GoFundMe page raising money for Saige and her family. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW
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