The Julian Cruz Family

Last Updated: 11/15/08

Sarai is now able to take a few steps on her own, without the aid of the walker. Please do not cease in your prayers.

Last Updated: 04/12/08

Sarai came home from Children's Hospital in Dallas about two weeks ago. She is making progress, but it is still a long path to complete recovery. She is able to swallow some pureed foods, and not relying solely on a feeding tube. She still can not stand, but is starting to crawl. She is able to say a few words now. Keep in mind, she is having to relearn how to do everything.
Mrs. Celia is able to move around with the aid of a walker instead of using a wheelchair. She is going through water therapy twice a week now with a local doctor.
Julian is still very sore from the accident. He is suffering from sharp pains and stiffness.
Jose and Sinai are back at school and are physically well.
Thank you to all those who have helped out in this time of need. The response has been overwhelming, but there is still much help needed as this will be a long road for the family to travel. Please continue to fervently pray for the Cruz family as they recover. God answers prayers!

Last Updated: 02/19/08

The Cruz family is recovering well in Sherman. Sarai is still at Children's in Dallas and has been taken off the ventilator.

Last Updated: 02/05/08

Sarai has been moved from the hospital in Missouri to Children's Hospital in Dallas.

Last Updated: 01/31/08

The Cruz family arrived in Sherman at approximately 6:30 PM Wednesday. The flight went well, family is at home, Celia is resting.
We are working on getting a vehicle for the family - nursing care has been lined up.
Julian will be returning to Springfield Saturday to be with Sarai.
Sarai's recovery is minimal thus far. She was showing signs of progress earlier so keep praying hard.

Last Updated: 01/30/08

Please continue to pray for Sarai Cruz and success in her recovery.

Last Updated: 01/26/08

Il's funeral will be held Friday, February 1, 2008. It will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Western Heights Church of Christ.
Many churches in the Springfield, Missouri area have been opening their hearts to the Cruz family with money, clothes, food, shelter, support and much more. May God bless our brothers and sisters there.

Last Updated: 01/26/08

A special benefit has been set up for the Cruz family to help them financially. - see 'How To Help' below
Celia is recovering from surgery on her hip.

Last Updated: 01/25/08

Sarai Cruz is in very critical condition.
Thurs. morning, several members of the area churches of Christ including 3 from the Iglesia de Cristo have flown to Springfield to offer assistance.

Sherman High School sophomore Il Isai Cruz was killed early Wednesday morning in a wreck that also seriously injured his mother, Celia, and two younger sisters, Sinai, age 9, and Sarai, age 2. Il's older brother, Jose Cruz, who is a senior at Sherman High School, and his father, Julian Cruz, both escaped the wreck with less serious injuries.

Julian Cruz is minister of the Iglesia de Cristo in Sherman. He moved his family here in June 2007 from Chicago after accepting the job at the Spanish-speaking church, which is sponsored by the Parkview Church of Christ in Sherman.

Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the wreck happened at 25 minutes past midnight on Interstate 44 in Lawrence County, near the city of Mount Vernon. The family was returning from their former Chicago home. Because the Cruz vehicle, a 1995 Chevrolet, was having problems, it was being driven at about 50 mph with its flashers on.

An 18-wheeler also on I-44 struck the Cruz vehicle from behind.

The Chevrolet rolled several times and three family members we ejected. Julian and Jose were transported to one hospital while the others were taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield, MO.

Il Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Coroner's Office and taken to Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO. He was 16 years old.

Celia Cruz suffered injuries to her hip, and has been through surgery for that. Young Sarai suffered head trauma and is expected to undergo surgery soon. It's unknown what injuries Sinai suffered, but the accident report said she was taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Jose, 17, and Julian Cruz were treated and released from Cox Hospital.

The Cruz family had driven back to Chicago to take care of the home they owned up there. They were on their way back to Sherman with the intention of getting the boys back in school Thursday.

Several members of their congregation will be flying to Springfield Friday because of the generosity of a company which has offered its plane to them.

Sherman High School spokeswoman Bootie Terrell said that counselors were made available to students immediately upon learning of the tragedy and will continue to be available to help them through their grief.

article taken from Herald Democrat
by Mary Jane Farmer

HOW TO HELP

A benefit has been setup for the Cruz family to help them financially during these difficult times. Checks should be written out to: Julian Cruz Family Benefit.

Please mail to either:

Parkview Church of Christ
c/o Elders
815 S. Dewey Ave.
Sherman, TX 75090

-or-

Landmark Bank
720 E Peyton St.
Sherman, TX 75090

or any other Landmark Bank

Churches and individuals that would like to contact the church family may contact:

     Clinton Davis - elder at Parkview church of Christ
     email here
     (903) 815-4920 - Cell
     (903) 892-8229 - Church

Please, please pray fervently for this family. Julian, Celia, Jose, Sinai and Sarai Cruz.

*We will keep this page updated as more information becomes available.