Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - In less than three days, donations to a Go Fund Me account for injured Twin City Ambulance EMT Hannah Hindle has topped the $14,000 mark - and more is expected.
The response from the Buffalo-Niagara community has been both overwhelming and heartwarming, said Terence Clark, Twin City Ambulance president.
"It is beyond words," Clark said. "It has put Hannah into high spirits."
Hindle and her fellow Twin City EMT were injured in a freak, Dec. 26 accident on the I-290. Just before 9 p.m., the pair had stopped to aid a stranded motorist near the Niagara Falls Boulevard exit when another car spun out because of the icy conditions.
Hindle was pinned between the hoods of both cars and suffered a serious leg injury. Her partner suffered less severe injuries.
Both were taken to Erie County Medical Center, where Hindle was expected to be discharged on Dec. 29. Her partner was also released.
Dollars being raised by the 331 - and counting - donations will help Hindle with various medical and rehab costs not covered by her medical insurance.
The bigger issue, Clark said, is the impact the support the community has shown for Hindle has had a huge and massive - in a good way - psychological impact on the more than 200 EMTs and paramedics who work for Twin City.
"It is encouraging," Clark said. "To know that we are appreciated, means so much."
The Go Fund Me campaign for Hindle continues.
"She has a long way to go but Hannah said she is ready to get back here, once she is healed," Clark said.