The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Family friends and church fellows are rallying help for the Gates family of Sisters, injured in a serious motor vehicle accident over Memorial Day Weekend.

According to Three Sisters Fellowship church member Kim Barry, the Gates family — John, Jennifer, Rebecca and Kathryn — were traveling back from the Tillamook area when they were involved in a head- on car accident in their 1988 Chevy Nova.

They collided with a 3/4-ton Dodge pickup truck. Barry reported that the cause of the accident has not yet been determined but heavy rain was a factor.

The family was immediately transported to the Tillamook hospital where their youngest child, 20-month-old Kathryn, was treated and released with minor whiplash and bruising. John was released later that day with severe whiplash and bruising.

Jennifer and Rebecca were then transported by ambulance to Portland Emanuel Hospital where Rebecca was treated for a fractured pelvis and broken facial bones, including nose and cheeks with multiple lost teeth. Rebecca was released June 3 for rehabilitation and reconstructive orthodontic work, Barry said.

Jennifer has been through two surgeries to repair her dislocated hip using traction and to repair the shattered hip socket and is expected to be hospitalized for 10 days after surgery. She will be able to return home for the 10 weeks of rehabilitation and recovery.

An account has been set up through Three Sisters Fellowship for tax deductible donations to be accepted to help with the many financial needs the family will have. For more information or to help in any way, contact Kim Barry at 549-2934.