Friend of Burlington Township natives injured in car accident raising money to support the parents-to-be
Chelsey Mulvenna has raised more than $3,900 for the family using a GoFundMe page
On Dec. 17, Barrin and Jesseca Davis were driving from Louisiana back to their hometown of Burlington Township when they were involved in the 55-car pile up that took place in Baltimore, Md.
Barrin is a soldier in the U.S. Army and was living in Louisiana for work with his wife, Jesseca, who is expecting a child. Barrin and Jesseca were driving back to Burlington Township to spend time with their families for the holidays.
The accident the Davis’s were involved in was said to be caused by icy roads and left two dead and many more injured. Barrin, who was driving, intentionally turned the car so he would take the majority of the impact, according to Barrin’s childhood friend Chelsey Mulvenna.
“They don’t really remember exactly what happened, but Barrin turned the car so he would take more of the impact to protect Jesseca and the baby,” Mulvenna said.
Mulvenna met Barrin when they were 13 years old and in the same church youth group.
Barrin ultimately suffered several broken ribs, a collapsed lung and a broken pelvis and has had multiple surgeries, while Jesseca suffered a head injury and had surgery to remove her spleen.
Mulvenna created a GoFundMe page to assist the couple in their time of need. She originally set the goal at $1,000, and after meeting that goal within four hours, she raised the goal to $2,500, but has surpassed that, too. The page has raised more than $3,900.
“I would encourage people to donate in order to help a military person and his family after having such a horrific accident,” Mulvenna said. “They’re still very young and they’ve got a baby on the way.”
Barrin is facing the possibility of a medical discharge, according to Mulvenna. Both Barrin and Jesseca are still hospitalized, and Barrin’s extensive injuries will likely result in a lengthy recovery.
“They’re doing better. Jesseca is more coherent and has been able to talk and communicate,” Mulvenna said. “Barrin, they’re still struggling with.”
While the couple is doing better, Mulvenna said they’ve still got a long way to go. They have both been transferred to a military medical center in Maryland where they are receiving care.
“As of right now, the baby is healthy and doctors are hoping she will be carried to term,” the GoFundMe page reads. “All money raised will go toward supporting the baby.”
While the military will cover medical costs, Mulvenna says the couple has no idea when they will be able to return to work. Mulvenna wanted to raise money for the couple to assist with buying baby needs such as diapers, clothes and wipes. All money raised will be given directly to the Davis family for them to use as they need. The baby is due in February, and all of the family’s baby supplies are back in Louisiana.
Mulvenna has raised close to four times the amount she originally set out to raise, but she’s hoping people will continue to donate. The GoFundMe was created on Dec. 20, and Mulvenna is still receiving donations.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/bless-the-davis-family.
