Raphaela Cristeli, Isla Clarke and another friend are pictured in this photo shared on the GoFundMe page set up to aid Cristeli.
Community members have organized fundraisers to aid the family of a rising Hopkinton High School junior who was seriously injured after being struck by a car in New Bedford on July 4.
HHS junior Isla Clarke set up a GoFundMe page for the victim, whom she identified as Raphaela “Rafa” Cristeli, her best friend. She described the extent of Cristeli’s injuries in her fundraising request.
“At about 3:00 on Friday, July 4th, my best friend, Raphaela Cristeli, was hit by a speeding car on the highway,” it stated. “As our Fourth of July started off strong, none of us thought that this was how our day would end.
“After being hit, Rafa encountered many severe injuries like head trauma, internal brain bleeding, a ruptured spleen, and fractured hips,” Clarke continued. “She was rushed to a hospital nearby, and then she was transferred to a children’s hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, for surgery on her stomach. Due to her spleen being ruptured, the doctors had to completely remove it in surgery. She will also need surgery on her brain to stop the internal bleeding if it does not heal itself.”
According to multiple news reports, the accident occurred on the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge. Officers from the New Bedford Police Department initially responded to the crash and provided first aid until the 16-year-old was transported to a local hospital for further treatment of her “serious” injuries.
Clarke urged people to support the Cristeli family with its medical expenses.
On Wednesday, Hop-Yo, a frozen yogurt shop on Main Street, is holding a fundraiser for the severely injured teen and her family from 4-9 p.m. It’s being organized by owner Matt Colleran, who has hosted fundraisers in the past for local groups, particularly on behalf of students.
Colleran noted on his Facebook page that a portion of the sales will go toward Cristeli’s care. Also, he stated that staff members “will be donating all their tips.”
Friend’s mother speaks of tragedy
In an interview with the Independent on Wednesday afternoon, Natasha Clarke, Isla’s mother, described the friendship shared by the teens and the strength both families have shown at this devastating time.
“Rafa entered our lives when she and Isla were in the sixth grade,” she said. “At that age, you are never sure how friendships will go. But they have that special bond that has lasted no matter what challenges they faced. They truly, genuinely love each other.”
Clarke described the experience of both families coping with the tragedy “like we’re in a movie.”
She described Rafa’s father as a “walking Jesus” because he told her he feels only compassion for the woman whose car struck his daughter.
“He has nothing but positive energy,” Clarke said. “There is no room for guilt. He doesn’t want to fault anyone. He is not asking 1,001 questions. He just wants to focus positive energy directed to Rafa.”
“He is one of the most beautiful people I know,” she added. “I want everyone to be this way.”
She added that the father does not intend to press charges.
Clarke said she loves Hopkinton, where she has resided for the past 23 years, because of the kindness and compassion shown by its residents.
“Hopkinton is united,” she said. “It always comes together. We love that, and we want the town to allow that space to heal as well.”
She added that her daughter is working as a camp counselor for the Hopkinton Parks & Recreation Department. She returned to work Monday, but she is taking her situation day by day with the support of the staff.
“Isla is a gem,” she added. “I adore both of them.”
Clarke said the teens were walking across the street when Cristeli was struck. A 16-year-old male friend provided CPR immediately. An off-duty female police officer relieved him until paramedics arrived.
Added Clarke: “He said there was no breathing, no pulse. Because he gave her oxygen, the brain damage and swelling aren’t as bad as they could have been.”
Clarke added that she, Isla and the Cristeli family have gone to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence every day since the crash.
“The Ronald McDonald House offered to let Rafa’s family stay there so they wouldn’t have to travel,” she said. “I could tell walking in how supportive and kind the staff there is. Rafa’s family is nothing but grateful.”
She thanked the community for their support of the GoFundMe page and the anticipated participation at the Hop-Yo fundraiser.
“Every day, Rafa is showing us that she is a miracle,” added Clarke. “When she comes out of the induced coma and heals, she will realize how strong she is.”
Clarke noted that Isla’s father is also “a walking miracle.” He was in a devastating fire at 2 years old. He had been told that he wasn’t supposed to be able to walk again, she said, noting that fate connected these two families.
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