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Michele Dyson had a smile on her face.

At least she was trying her best to smile.

It was Monday, Aug. 19 as she was driving her vehicle on Dyson Road in western Davie County when a gust of wind downed two large trees, taking power lines with them.

It all fell on her vehicle.

She was trapped in the car for more than an hour before emergency crews could remove the power lines and trees, which had caused the steering column and dash to collapse onto her legs, making it impossible to move.

Michele is still recovering at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist in Winston-Salem, has undergone several surgeries with more scheduled. It has all taken a financial and emotional toll on her family.

In addition to a GoFundMe page, the community has organized two fundraisers for Saturday, Sept. 28 to support the family.

New Union Church will donate proceeds from its monthly Hotdog Saturday. The church, at County Line and Sheffield roads, will serve hotdogs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

New Hope Baptist Church will hold a fish fry beginning at 5 p.m. Located at 149 New Hope Road in Statesville, the $12 plates will include fish, fries, slaw, hushpuppies, dessert and a drink, eat in or take out. T-shirts will also be for sale.

Michele’s husband, Justin, was called to the accident just minutes after it happened. He knew it was bad as he drove up, but said his wife tried to remain in good spirits and crews worked to remove the trees from on top of the vehicle – and her from inside of the vehicle.

He praised the emergency teams, including those from Sheffield-Calahaln and William R. Davie fire departments, Davie Rescue Squad, Squad 81, EMS, NCDOT, Joe’s Toe and EnergyUnited.

Michele suffered bruises and cuts, third-degree burns on her thighs and a forearm, a broken wrist, and some blood clotting. The worst was neck injuries, including broken and misaligned vertebrae which impacted her spinal cord.

Justin said the family is thankful for all of the support from the community, and will post updates when possible on her GoFundMe page. “We are continually blown away by the of support and the prayers that have been lifted for her.