Friends and loved ones of a Caruthersville, Missouri, family are rallying in prayer and seeking God for a miracle after deadly tornadoes claimed the life of a bubbly and beloved 9-year-old, and left her mother with brain damage.
Annistyn Rackley and her two sisters, Avalinn Rackley, 7, and Alanna Rackley, 3, were home with their mom, Meghan, and dad, Trey, hunkering down in a bathroom when tornadoes ripped through the area on Friday evening and struck their home, KAIT-TV reported.
The family was thrown outside the structure and landed in a field, where first responders later found them, muddied and injured. Sandra Hookers, Meghan’s aunt, told the Associated Press more specific details about what unfolded.
“Their house is splintered,” she said. “There’s debris strewn forever out in the field, and so they were sucked up into the tornado.”
In addition to losing Annistyn in the horror, her sisters, Avalinn and Alanna, were seriously injured and her mom, Meghan, faces brain damage, broken bones, and other injuries. Their father reportedly sustained minor wounds.
The family and community are praying for a miracle, with Hookers telling the media they are relying on God while facing the unthinkable (watch hundreds come together to pray for the family).
“Our family believes in a God of miracles and that’s why we are here today,” Hookers said Sunday after a prayer vigil. “To pray and to ask God to give us a miracle for Meghan.”
Hundreds of people joined hands outdoors in prayer on Sunday, asking God for his healing touch on Meghan, while mourning the loss of Annistyn.
“It’s just overwhelming to see how many people turned out,” Hookers said.
In addition to health struggles, the Rackleys also lost their possessions and home, according to a fundraiser.
“As you all know, a family dear to the community lost everything, to put it lightly. To know a Rackley was to love a Rackley. They’d genuinely drop anything to help anyone. It’s our turn,” a description reads. “While money won’t replace the ultimate loss of their sweet angel, it should be the last think they have to worry about.”
As indicated in that fundraiser description, the community has long known and loved Annistyn, as the child struggled with Biliary Atresia, a rare liver disease.
Just as friends, loved ones, and locals are praying and rallying this week, they did the same years ago when Annistyn was diagnosed, helping rally to pay for her medical expenses.
The Rackley family fundraiser has already amassed more than $124,800 — and counting, with the community also seeking other ways to help. Please pray for Meghan and the Rackley family during this trying time.
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