Fundraiser Created For Suffolk Man Critically Hurt In Crash

MEDFORD, NY — A Facebook fundraiser seeks to raise money for the driver who was seriously hurt in a crash Monday morning on the Long Island Expressway. Jesse Kowalewski, 38, of Medford, was heading west around 10:20 a.m. on the Long Island Expressway near Hauppauge when he swerved to avoid another vehicle that slowed for construction, police said. He was thrown from the vehicle when it overturned.

Kowalewski was flown to Stony Brook University Hospital. His girlfriend, Kari, 34, of Sayville, told Patch on Friday he remains in critical condition. Kowalewski has brain bleeding, a broken foot, a broken neck and massive face swelling, she said. Kowalewski was on his way to see her when he crashed.

Kari, who asked her last name not be used, created the fundraiser for Kowalewski, which has taken in over $1,000 in donations so far. The money will help cover Kowalewski's rent, cell phone bills and car insurance, she said.

Kowalewski's mother, Rosanne Dooley, thanked everyone, on behalf of her and her daughter, who has already donated.

"We are overwhelmed with the continuing out-pour of support and prayers being sent his way," she told Patch through Facebook. "Jesse would be in awe of all of the kindness and love."

Kari met Kowalewski five years ago when he moved to Long Island from New Jersey. She said they kept in touch after hanging out several times, and began talking couple of weeks before Valentine's Day. They spent the weekend together before the crash, Kari said.

"I know they say don’t blame yourself, but it’s just killing me worse knowing he was on his way to come to me," Kari said. "You just get that in your head."