A fund to help a seriously injured Burien teen has recently been set up at the main office of KeyBank and community leaders and family friends hope that the Whitney Sellers Recovery Fund will provide a sufficient cushion so Whitney’s mother can stay close by her side during the long ordeal ahead.

With bones in her hip, pelvis, knee and jaw broken or shattered, 13 year-old Whitney faces a long and painful recovery – both emotionally and physically – at a time when most of her peers are getting ready to head back to school.

Whitney, a student at Sylvester Middle School in Burien, was struck by a pickup truck on Aug. 7, when she was in a crosswalk on Ambaum Boulevard near Southwest 153rd Street.

Among other medical procedures, the young teen will need to have her hip reconstructed and will have to re-learn how to walk.

Spearheaded by members of the Rotary Club of Tukwila, the fund is envisioned as an additional resource for single mom, Jennifer Shields, during the months ahead. Shields works at the office of Rotarian Kathy Foster, at the Executive Support Center in Tukwila.

Foster is just one of several local Rotarians who have rallied behind the family. She hopes to use the Rotary network to raise awareness of the family’s need during this time of crisis and recovery. “We’re a service organization,” Foster said “and this family deserves our support.”

  “We are grateful beyond words for the support our community has given us,” said Jennifer Shields. “In these difficult economic times, we appreciate even the smallest donation. It not only helps the fund, but helps lift our spirits so we can be there for Whitney.”

To make a contribution, visit any local KeyBank branch and ask to make a deposit to the Whitney Sellers Recovery Fund, or mail checks to the Whitney Sellers Recovery Fund, c/o:

KeyBank (Belltown Key Center)
2500 1st Avenue
Seattle, WA  98121

To make a wire transfer, please contact the KeyBank wire transfer office at 206-269-2381.
In addition, credit card payments can also be made by visiting www.friendsofwhitneysellers.com or via the Facebook page, “Friends of Whitney Sellers.”