SHREWSBURY, MA — A fundraiser launched by family and friends has raised more than $100,000 for a 23-year-old Shrewsbury High School graduate who suffered life-altering injuries after she was hit by a car earlier this year.
Olivia Zerwas suffered a traumatic brain injury, two broken legs, a broken foot, eight fractured vertebrae and second- and third-degree burns over 33 percent of her body, according to the GoFundMe. She was hit by a vehicle while walking on Waverly Street in Cambridge on Jan. 19.
In connection with that same crash, David Powell of Roslindale was arrested and arraigned in January, according to Cambridge police.
Cambridge police said officers tried to stop the vehicle near Massachusetts Avenue and Albany Street, but it sped away and was not pursued for safety reasons.
Minutes later, the stolen car crashed into a commercial building at Waverly and Erie streets, where police arrested the driver after witnesses said he tried to run, and responders found that the crash had also seriously injured a bystander who remains hospitalized, police said.
Boston25 News shared Zerwas's story last week. The news outlet reports that Powell allegedly has 43 prior court dockets. Prosecutors said he ran from the scene before he was arrested.
The Zerwas family attended his arraignment last month, where he faced several charges, including assault and battery, and pleaded not guilty, according to Boston25 News.
Zerwas, who is now at Mass General’s Burn Intensive Care Unit, has already undergone numerous surgeries. Her right leg requires amputation, and her recovery is expected to include additional surgeries, skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation, according to the fundraiser.
The fundraiser says the money will help cover Zerwas' medical care, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment and the day-to-day realities of living with permanent disabilities.
“Liv is a sweet, beautiful soul with a hilarious sense of humor,” organizers wrote on the fundraising page.
After graduating from Shrewsbury High School, Zerwas studied art therapy at Emmanuel College and later worked as an art therapist at a senior living community, according to organizers.
The GoFundMe was started by close friends and family to support her through what organizers said will be a long recovery.
The community has also organized a pickleball event next month.
The Liv Strong Paddle Battle will take place on Jun. 13, with 10 percent of the proceeds supporting Zerwas and her recovery. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rt. 12 Pickle in West Boylston.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
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