By: Diana Johnsen
djohnsen@kcautv.com
The family suffered a terrible tragedy and now the community is joining together to ease the pain.
"It's just a show of solidarity for the family. We just felt like we wanted to support them and help them however we could," said Diana Kincaid of Dakota City.
On Sunday, fire departments from Dakota City, South Sioux City and Homer, Nebraska hosted a "Pancake Feed Benefit" to raise money for 8 year-old Braden Coenen of Sioux City and his family.
"All three fire departments were part of that call too. So we thought it would be a good way to come together and help out," said Clint Rasmussen, Dakota City Fire Chief.
Braden is currently recovering from a car accident that happened in early January on Highway 77 near Homer.
His younger sister Reagan Coenen and grandmother Patricia Oldenburg were killed in the crash.
"It was horror, shock. I couldn't believe it," said Stacy Coenen, mother of Braden and Reagan.
But to honor Reagan and Patricia and help medical expenses for Braden, the town held the feed, along with a silent auction and bake sale to help the family out.
"It's amazing. Just to think that people would do it for us, for Braden," said Stacy.
"The turnout has been more than I expected. We were very surprised and thankful," added Ryan Coenen, Braden and Reagan's father.
Through their loss, the family says they're thankful to still have little Braden in their lives.
"He should get better. It's just going to take a lot of time and a lot of physical and occupational therapy," said Ryan.
There will be another benefit for Braden and his family Saturday, March 9th at the Nativity Parish Center from 9:00 a.m. to Noon in Sioux City.
