Last March, the lives of two little girls were changed forever. The Northern California sisters were in the back seat of their father's car when the vehicle drifted off the highway and smashed into a concrete bridge abutment.

The youngest sister, who is 3 years old, suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury and is now in a wheelchair, permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Her 4-year-old sister survived a severe head injury and had to have surgery to repair her right eye. It is not yet known if she will need reconstructive surgery on her face. The girls are undergoing continuing emotional counseling to understand and overcome the traumatic ordeal.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the sisters were both improperly restrained in the back seat of their father's vehicle. In addition, their dad was charged with felony drunk driving and four counts of child endangerment. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges brought against him related to this tragic accident and will stand trial in Shasta County next month.

The girls' local community has rallied to organize a fundraiser for the young sisters later this month and all the proceeds will go toward their college education and immediate needs like medical bills, medication and equipment.

Whether or not their father is found guilty of criminal charges for this horrific accident, he certainly should be held accountable and responsible for his gross negligence and misconduct. The courts should order him to pay full compensation for his daughters' recuperation, rehabilitation and ongoing medical care for the rest of their lives.

Source: ntshastanews.com, "June 23 fundraiser is for Ashlynn and Alexis Myrtle," Skye Kinkade, June 8, 2012