Marion resident and Tabor Academy grad Hannah Strom was training with her Holy Cross rowing team in Florida when the team’s van collided with a pickup truck  on Jan. 15. The crash killed one of her teammates, and left Strom with serious injuries. 

Since then, the South Coast community has rallied around her and her family, with individuals and businesses pitching in with fundraisers and words of support.

Strom, Tabor Class of 2018 and a sophomore at Holy Cross, is the daughter of  Thomas and Gail Strom, who own Kool Kone in Wareham.

The Vero Beach, Florida, crash left 20-year-old Grace Rett of Uxbridge dead. Twelve others, including the drivers of both vehicles were injured -- some critically.

Strom was initially hospitalized in Florida, where her family flew to be by her side. She was flown to Massachusetts General Hospital on Monday. At press time, she remained hospitalized in MGH’s intensive care unit.

In a social media post Tuesday night, Gail Strom wrote that Hannah can breathe on her own and is occasionally using a ventilator. She is also responding to simple commands. “When asked to squeeze her brother’s hand, she squeezed so hard... and didn’t let go! They held on tight to each other for a long time!” Gail wrote. 

Tabor Academy issued a statement, recognizing Strom’s contributions not only as an athlete, but as a valuable community member. 

“We were shocked and saddened by the news of Hannah and her team’s terrible accident. She is a terrific young woman and contributed so much across all aspects of school life at Tabor,” wrote Head of School John Quirk. 

When news of the crash reached the South Coast, the community immediately rallied to support Strom and her family.

Kool Kone employees converted tip jars to jars for “anyone who would like to help this amazing family, who has done so much for other families.”

“It’s been busy since the moment we opened,” said Kool Kone employee Bella Valatkevicz on Friday.

Kool Kone manager Melanie Zacamy, took over day-to-day management of  the business Wednesday when the family got the news and left for Florida. 

“The support from the community has been very overwhelming, it’s so awesome to see people giving back to [Tom]. The tables have turned and we are helping him now,” Zacamy said. 

Hannah “is the sweetest human being,” Valatkevicz said. “She puts everyone before herself. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.”

Andrew Daniel stopped by Kool Kone for lunch on Friday after hearing the news. 

“They always help the community in different ways,” Daniel said of the Strom family, noting Kool Kone’s particular support of the Boy Scouts.

Always and Bloom and On the Go in Mattapoisett donated 15% of all sales on Friday to the Strom family.

The Friends of Jack Foundation agreed to match those donations.

“The Strom family has been a strong supporter of the Friends of Jack Foundation's Food for Tots program and a friend to many on our Board. We pray for Hannah and all involved,” the Foundation wrote. “We will be here for any needs the Strom's may have. Should you want to help please reach out to us via Facebook and we'll be happy to help facilitate. Hug your loved ones tight tonight and keep Hannah and the others involved in your thoughts and prayers.”

Walrus and Captain in Mattapoisett planned a Jan. 22 fundraiser, donating 15% of their proceeds to the Strom family. 

“That family is a wonderful giving fixture in the town of Marion… Nobody should have to go through that without some support from the community, especially people that are so central and involved in our town,” said Mike Sudofsky of Marion, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Kate. 

Krystine Jones, owner of The Pound martial arts studio in Wareham, doesn’t know the Stroms personally, but set up a fundraiser “just knowing their reputation in the community.”

Through the end of the month The Pound will donate all of the profits from the signup for one of their classes back to the Strom family. The link to sign up with the donation option can be found on the gym’s Facebook page. 

Rochester’s Meredith Ciaburri-Rousseau, owner of Artisan Bakery, held a flash sale on cupcakes through Wednesday, Jan. 22, donating half of the proceeds to the family.  

“I couldn't imagine not helping the Stroms in some small way.  My heart goes out to them, it's every parent’s worst nightmare,” the bakery owner said. 

Ciaburri-Rosseau said the fundraiser was “the right thing to do. In a world where kindness, respect and a sense of community is lacking, I strive every day to remember how important it is to make a difference in our community.”

Uncle Jon’s cafe is donating the proceeds from any of their cookies to the Strom family, and also accepting donations for them.

Dr. Erin Hoye of Marion Dental, an alumna of Holy Cross, also made a donation to the Strom family, according to The Friends of Jack.