A tragic story out of Texas has touched the hearts of people in Chicago and across the country.
A couple from Houston was killed and their three children gravely hurt when their car crashed earlier this month.
41-year-old Joshua Berry and his wife, 40-year-old Robyn Kelly, were driving home from a trip to Colorado when a car veered into their lane and crashed into their van, according to reports.
The couple died at the scene, but their three children, Peter, 9; Aaron 8; and Willa, 6, survived.
The two boys are now paralyzed below the waist, and Willa is recovering from a broken arm.
Both Peter and Aaron are going to be undergoing spinal rehabilitation at Shriner's Hospital in Oak Park.
The children's aunt and uncle, Simone and Matt Berry, have become their legal guardians, and will be staying with the children in Oak Park throughout their recovery, according to the Oak Park Journal.
A massive campaign was launched on Wednesday called "Show Your Hearts" to help the children as they recover from their injuries.
"There is a significant urgent need to raise funds to aid these now orphaned children's ongoing needs, including medical rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychological support and education," according to the campaign's website.
The campaign captured the attention of pop singer Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and even radio host Ryan Seacrest, who all came together and used their social media sites to raise awareness of the cause.
Here in Chicago, a local deli hosted a fundraiser Thursday night to benefit the Berry children's fund.
"I think it really hits home when something like this happens. It could happen to anybody," said Julie Burstyn, who was one of many people at the event at Manny's Deli, at 1141 S. Jefferson St., in Chicago.
The "Show Your Hearts" website has information on how the generous can help the family.
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| Both Peter and Aaron are paralyzed below the waist and will undergoing spinal rehabilitation at Shriner's Hospital in Oak Park. |
