Ditmas Park Parents Rally Around Kids Badly Hurt In Queens Crash

DITMAS PARK, BROOKLYN — A Ditmas Park public school is rallying around two Brooklyn families after their sons were seriously injured in a car crash on their way to a science museum.

Parents from P.S. 139 at 330 Rugby Road have raised more than $10,000 for Erick and Andy, two 13-year-old friends seriously injured when a car slammed into their minivan outside the New York Hall Of Science last month, according to Katherine Esterman and Arcelia Leal's GoFundMe Campaign.

"The process of recovery will be long and the medical expenses could be steep," wrote Leal and Esterman, two P.S. 139 first grade parents. "Please consider donating to support these families as they work to help their boys recover and regain their lives as happy middle-school students in our community."

Six people — two 13-year-old boys, a 6-year-old girl, a 48-year-old man, 43-year-old woman and 61-year-old man — were hurt in the crash at 111 Street and 49 Avenue just before noon on Oct. 27, police confirmed.

Police said the 61-year-old was driving a white Torota Camry minivan north on 111th Street when he struck a gray Honda Odyssey, driven by the 48-year-old, turning into the science museum parking lot.

Medics rushed the teens and two men to Elmhurst General Hospital where one of the boys remains in critical condition, said police. The girl and woman were treated for minor injuries.

Leal and Esterman did not immediately respond to Patch's email, but a GoFundMe spokesperson confirmed the fundraiser, which had raised $10,045 as of Tuesday morning, has been verified.

Funds will cover medical bills that have mounted since the two middle schoolers were rushed to the hospital, the parents said.

"Erick remains in ICU with a severe brain injury and cranial fractures. His doctors are not sure if he will be able to speak or walk normally again."

Erick's family have remained by his bedside in a Queens hospital and face the added financial burdens of a totaled car, a week without work and travel expenses, the GoFundMe reads.

Andy's injuries were less severe but the parents say he faces weeks of rehab.

Erick and Andy's younger sisters, both P. S. 139 first graders, have returned to school and are staying with family friends, the parents wrote.

Almost 150 donors have contributed to the GoFundMe, leaving messages of encouragement for the teenagers' families.

"I cannot even imagine how difficult this must be," wrote Kate Demarkis.

"Lo siento mucho que esto les pasaron," added Juno Turner, writing in Spanish that he was sorry about what happened. "Dejeme saber si hay qualquier otra manera en que les puedo apoyar."

"Let me know if there is any other way I can support you."

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