Community raises money for 18-year-old from Guerneville paralyzed in accident

Maisie Boland of Guerneville was just three days into her freshman year at Chico State University when a car accident left her paralyzed from the ribs down.

Now family, friends and community members in Sonoma County are rallying behind 18-year-old Boland and her family and raising money to support her recovery.

A GoFundMe page started by family and friends has brought in more than 2,000 donations totaling more than $217,000.

“Friends, family and complete strangers donated,” said Maisie’s father, Shawn Boland. “These people do so many beautiful things. It's just incredible. It really restored my faith in humanity.”

He said the family nicknamed Maisie “Bird” when she was young and described her as his “mini-me” who became “very independent” as an adult.

“Our little bird ended up leaving the nest only to have its wings broken,” he said.

Boland was one of five people in a car that apparently turned too quickly and crashed into a boulder. The car rolled over on impact and Maisie was the only one with serious injuries, her father said. The 18-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

After the accident, Boland spent months in the hospital and rehabilitation facilities and underwent multiple surgeries that included placing plates in her spine and a pacemaker in her heart.

In just a few moments, her life changed dramatically, her father said.

Boland was discharged home in late October and is staying with her grandparents in Walnut Creek while the family's Guerneville home is upgraded to be more accessible for her motorized wheelchair. They're also installing an elevator — a project expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.

“I don’t know how we would do it without people’s support,” Shawn Boland said. “I don’t know if we would have been able to keep our house if we hadn’t received so much support.”

Shawn Boland said he learned to listen to Maisie's needs and allow her to experience her full range of emotions.

“Be strong enough to let them vent,” he said. “Be her safe place.”

Maisie's recovery will be a long road, but her parents and brother are with her “24/7” to support her, the GoFundMe page says.

On Saturday, November 9th, Rio Nido Roadhouse will host its annual Chili Cook Off, and this year the money raised from the auction will be donated to the Boland family to support their recovery. The family wants to be there.

“She’s extraordinary,” Boland said. “Their strength to get through this is truly impressive. She’s better than me.”

Contact Staff Writer Anna Armstrong at 707-521-5255 or [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @annavarmstrongg.