I stopped by the Pourfavor coffee shop downtown this week and noticed an empty water jug on the countertop. The shop was collecting donations for a woman named Alexis Livingston. Then I found out about her horrible accident.

On March 12, Alexis Livingston was involved in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer, according to the GoFundMe account set up by Livingston’s sister Hayley. She sustained a traumatic brain injury, several broken ribs, a torn carotid artery, broken legs, a shattered ankle and other injuries.

“Many people are asking if they can help in any way and if there was some way they could contribute to her recovery,” Hayley wrote on the GoFundMe page.  “The dean of her school at Liberty University suggested a fundraiser, as this will be a long road to Alexis’ rehabilitation and recovery.”

Her family started a campaign to allow family, friends and colleagues to help pay for the woman’s medical expenses. But other members of the community can still do their part.

The GoFundMe account was created on March 18. As of early Wednesday afternoon, nearly 400 people have raised $20,645 dollars towards the $25,000 goal set for the account.

“The goal of $25,000 is there just because GoFundMe requires a goal, but all contributions would be appreciated,” Hayley wrote.

Alexis is currently on life support in the Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit at the VCU Medical Center. Hayley and her family have been making regular updates on the GoFundMe page about her ongoing treatment and recovery.

Hayley wrote on Monday that her sister remains covered with her prayer shawl and has “her angel watching over her while she sleeps.”

“Her mother and I stay in her room to watch over her and as has been the course, we take her progress one day at a time,” she wrote.

This a horrible circumstance that can happen to any person and any family. I hope that readers will think of their own loved ones and feel compelled to help. Personally, I don’t know what I would do if my mother, father or brother were facing this serious of a crisis.

I cannot speak for what kind of person Alexis is, but her sister can.

“Alexis is the most selfless and caring person I have ever met,” Hayley wrote. “She is the best sister ever and has always been there to take care of me and support me in my endeavors.  Alexis is one of the strongest people I have ever known and I am sure that if anyone can recover from this, she can.

“Please continue to pray for the healing of my beautiful sister.”

Search “Lexi’s Recovery” on gofundme.com to make a donation.