Sweet Buffalo Rallies Community to Send Cards to Woman Injured in Accident

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Western New York is known for rallying around our neighbors in need, and now there’s a new challenge to try to lift the spirits of a Silver Creek woman who was involved in a crash earlier this week.

Jessica Edwards, 42, was one of eight people injured Monday when the bus she was traveling on crashed into a home in the town of Sheridan.

Jessica suffered multiple serious injuries as a result of the accident and was immediately transported to ECMC where she remains in hospital.

Ericka Tenpas

The accident is the latest setback for a woman who has overcome many challenges. Jessica is a woman with special needs. Her family told 7 News she has epilepsy and uses a wheelchair.

“We keep telling her everything’s going to be okay,” said Jessica’s sister Ericka Tenpas, who spoke to 7 News anchor Jeff Russo from the hospital. “It’s driving us crazy, and then sad.”

Jessica’s story reached Kimberly LaRussa of Sweet Buffalo who immediately knew she wanted to do something to help. So LaRussa posted a call to action on social media encouraging the community to send Jessica cards to try to cheer her up.

“Poor Jessica is going through a difficult time medically right now and if all we could do was send her cards and bring her some joy and let her know that the community cares, we should do that,” LaRussa said.

One of the things that makes Jessica smile is cats.

“It would be nice if you had a picture of your cat, maybe you could send it over there or write a card of your cat that would be cute too,” LaRussa said. “Do whatever you can to bring a smile right now.”

LaRussa asks that the cards be sent to Jessica’s home. Her family will then bring them to the hospital.

You can use this address:
Jessica
12131 Hanford Road
Silver Creek, NY 14136

Jessica’s family told 7 News that the thoughtful gesture means a lot to them because they know any card sent will go a long way in what is expected to be a long recovery.

Ericka Tenpas

“She’s going to smile,” Tenpas said. “I just see her moving her feet in her wheelchair and looking at all of them. She’s just going to be happy.”

“We can’t help Jessica medically right now, but we can do something to come together and say we’re thinking of her. Sometimes that makes all the difference,” LaRussa said.