A community is rallying behind a Calgary family after a terrifying pedestrian accident left two sisters trapped underneath a vehicle in the northwest community of Dalhousie.
The Incident and Rescue
The collision occurred on November 20, 2025, in a marked school zone crosswalk. Alejandra, 18, was walking her younger sister, Camilla, 10, to school when they were struck by a vehicle. The impact was so severe that both girls became pinned under the vehicle.
They remained trapped until Calgary fire crews arrived at the scene to free them. Emergency services then rushed the sisters to the hospital, where they continue to receive treatment.
A Family's Uphill Battle
The sisters are now recovering in separate hospitals, adding a significant logistical and emotional strain on the family. Alejandra is being treated at Foothills Hospital, while Camilla is at the Alberta Children's Hospital. Although both are currently in stable condition, their road to recovery will be long.
"They're going to have to do a lot of rehabilitation, a lot of therapy, to be able to get movement back," said Raquel Mairena, the girls' aunt and godmother. "Our world's upside down right now, but we're just really grateful that they're alive."
The girls are expected to remain in the hospital for approximately a month, which means they will likely spend the upcoming holidays apart. This separation is also taking a mental toll on the sisters, who are used to being together.
Community Support Through GoFundMe
To help the family manage the immense financial pressures, Raquel Mairena started a GoFundMe campaign. The funds raised will be directed toward several critical areas:
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy for both girls.
- Necessary medical devices and medications.
- Travel costs for the parents, who are constantly moving between the two hospitals.
- General family expenses during this difficult time.
The parents are currently splitting their time between their daughters' bedsides, all while managing responsibilities at home, including caring for their family dog.
The family has expressed profound gratitude for the financial assistance and the efforts of the first responders who helped their daughters at the scene of the accident.
