Dobbs family struggles to recover from tragedy

Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sisters Leslie (left) and Shae Dobbs hold hands from adjoining beds at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City; Mo. The two girls and their brother; Tyler, in the photo at right,; have been recovering from an Aug. 22 traffic accident that took the lives of their 8-month-old brother; their father; his girlfriend; and her unborn child. Leslie has since been released; but Shae; who has spinal injuries; remains hospitalized.

Fort Scott, Kan. -- On Aug. 22, 2007, the lives of Shae, Tyler and Leslie Dobbs were changed forever.

Shortly after 4 p.m., the minivan that the three children's father was driving was hit by an another vehicle traveling on the same road.

This collision robbed the three Dobbs children of their father, Callie Dobbs, an eight-month-old brother Cecil, a seven-month unborn sibling and their father's girlfriend Kristel Pearson, who was like a mother to the children, Wanita Tate the children's grandmother said.

According to Kevin Jaynes, a cousin to the children, the Dobbses were a very close family. They enjoyed spending time together. This closeness expands to the extended family as well, Jaynes said.

"We like to help each other out when we can," he said.

The deaths that occurred along Katy Road near Richards caused shock and grief to surge through the family members, Jaynes said.

"Death never comes at a convenient time," he said.

For the children of Callie Dobbs, life is full of heartache and challenges now, but the situation does continue to improve with each passing day. According to Tate, 12-year-old Shae has suffered with spinal injuries that have left her paralyzed. Currently, she is still hospitalized, but Tate said that she should be released from the hospital shortly. However, her release from the hospital does not mean that Shae will be allowed to return home just yet. She must stay in the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City with her grandmother, Tate, and her younger sister, Leslie, at night and attend rehabilitation services during the daytime, Tate said. Sadly, Tate said, doctors believe that Shae's condition could be permanent.

Leslie, Shae's younger sister, has been released from the hospital. Leslie, who suffers from a head injury, is currently staying with her grandmother at the Ronald McDonald House so she can receive much needed rehabilitation, Tate said.

Though Tyler, the two girls' brother, has been released from the hospital and is currently staying with his aunt, he still suffers with the effects of the accident. While the two girls were knocked unconscious during the ordeal, Tyler was awake. Therefore, he struggles with the memories of that afternoon, Tate said.

According to Tate the Ronald McDonald House has made this grievous time a little bit easier.

"Dinner is prepared for us most nights, and when it is not, they have food in the pantry for us to cook," she said. "I don't have to worry about where we are going to stay or what we are going to eat. It takes off quite a burden," she said.

Tate is currently the guardian of the children and works tirelessly to ensure that they are properly cared for, Jaynes said.

According to Jaynes, Tate is in desperate financial need due to travel expenses, medical expenses and various other costs. Also, the vehicle that was destroyed in the accident was Tate's vehicle. Now she is without a vehicle and must borrow one to travel to the many places she must go in order to obtain care for the children, Jaynes said.

Although Tate's family members have tried to help her and the children out as much as they could, Tate's family is not financially well off and does not have enough funds available to help as much as needed, Jaynes said. According to Tate, her family does try to keep her company when she is sitting at the hospital and, at times, give her a break to get some much needed rest.

As if one terrible tragedy is not enough for a family, this same family lost another member on Sept 22, one month to the date of the accident, Jaynes said. Jaynes' cousin, Steve Orwig, lost his battle with cancer and leaves behind a wife, Joy, and two children, Hannah and Steele. Family members made a journey to Iowa for Orwig's funeral which took place on Sept. 27, Jaynes said.

When asked how his family is enduring the tragedies that have battered them, Jaynes said that faith is what is helping them to make it through these tough times.

"We do have strength and faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to get us through," he said.

Tate said that support from family members, friends and her church has been a great comfort to her and the children since the accident. When asked how she is handling the current pressures, Tate said she is just doing what she has to do.

"It's rough, but I gotta do what I gotta do," she said.

Tate said that a fund has been set up to relieve some of the financial burden due to the recent events. Anyone interested in contributing to the fund can contact Union State Bank, 1009 S. Clark, at (620) 223-0066, Tate said.

Local hairstylist Heather Steiger will conduct a fund-raising event at the State Street Salon on Oct 6. For more information or to find how to participate in Steiger's fund-raiser, call the State Street Salon, 202 State St., Fort Scott. That number is (620) 223-5551.