On Friday, August 20, 2010, my nine-year-old daughter Rachel Sanders was struck by a vehicle in front of our home on Eureka Road. That will be a day my family and I will never forget. Thankfully the Lord blessed us and Rachel stayed with us.

We just wanted to thank all the people who helped us in our time of despair. Thank you to the Panola County deputies, firemen, EMT, helicopter pilots, nurses and doctors. Thank you to the people who blocked the road to stop oncoming traffic while Rachel was lying in the road hurt and her big sister Ann Marie and the driver was trying to take care of her. Thank you to the nurse who stopped and cared for her. Thank you to all our neighbors and all the travelers on Eureka Road who stopped and helped. Thank you to Mrs. Sharon McGraw who drove my wife and me to LeBonhuer Hospital because we were too shaken up and then she stayed and comforted us.

Thank you to my daughter Ann Marie and the young man who accidently hit Rachel. Both of them witnessed this terrible accident, disregarded their own safety, stayed with Rachel while she was lying in the middle of the road, hurt, helpless and bleeding and comforted and protected her. Both of these young people, in my opinion, are heroes. Both should be very proud of themselves.

I’ve probably overlooked thanking someone and if I did, forgive me, it was not intentional. Words cannot express my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who has helped my little girl during and after this accident. All your help during this crises helped save her and all your prayers, visits, letters, and presents helped lift her spirits. We will never be able to repay ya’ll for your help. Because of all of you and the blessings of the Good Lord, my child is still with us. we will never be able to thank ya’ll or the Lord enough.

/s/ Jimmy and Alicia Sanders