ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Christmas week should be filled with joy for the Miller family. Instead, they are keeping vigil at an ICU bedside.

Brenda Miller was walking to speak to her neighbor on Van Deman Street, Friday, Dec. 19, when the neighbor’s vehicle started backing out of the driveway and struck her. Miller is now in the intensive care unit at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital with injuries her family says could leave her paralyzed.

Miller’s boyfriend witnessed the accident. He said Miller was walking back from the neighbor’s house when the neighbor got in her vehicle and started backing up. He said he yelled to get the neighbor’s attention, but the car kept moving. The vehicle rolled over Miller, trapping her underneath, according to Miller’s boyfriend.

Miller’s daughter, Shanay Miller, says her heart dropped when she heard the news. Three days later, she hasn’t left her mother’s bedside.

Instead of celebrating Christmas and hosting her son’s birthday at her Florida home, Shanay Miller is now at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital watching her mother fight for her life.

“After surgery, [the doctors] stated that there was no movement in her legs, and that she was possibly paralyzed. She won’t be able to walk again. That alone is a lot for me to take in,” Shanay Miller said through tears.

The family received more devastating news on Monday, Dec. 22 when the hospital alerted them that Brenda Miller had gone into cardiac arrest. Brenda Miller’s aunt was also at the hospital, visibly shaken as she watched her niece in the hospital bed.

“She’s unconscious and can’t talk. This isn’t right. I pray that she pulls out of this,” she said.

Brenda Miller is currently stable, but the timing has compounded the family’s grief. Christmas is just days away, but the family faces an uncertain future as doctors assess the extent of Brenda Miller’s injuries.

Beyond the emotional toll, the family says they’re facing medical bills and potential long-term care costs if Miller’s injuries result in paralysis. Shanay Miller is also worried about missing work to stay with her mother.

“I’m supposed to be at work today. But I can’t go to work and leave my mom like this,” she said.

According to the Albany Police Department (APD) report, the neighbor reported experiencing a brake malfunction while backing out of the driveway. Albany Police Chief Michael Persley said, if necessary, the department hires professional accident reconstructionists to confirm a vehicle’s malfunction.

“Each and every vehicle owner is responsible for the operation of a vehicle. If you have a vehicle that’s unsafe, then you’ll be held responsible for what happens,” Chief Persley said.

APD’s incident report indicates the neighbor received a citation in connection with the accident. Chief Persley said they will follow up with the family to ensure all questions and details are answered.

Friday’s incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, even in familiar surroundings.

“Please pray for us, we really need it. Pray especially for the rest of our family who can’t be here,” Shanay Miller said.

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/c7b956c55

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