This week, two local teenagers have undergone major procedures to combat health issues inflicted by a motorcycle accident in Bertrand Township Monday.

The teens, Dakota Cowan, of Galien, and Searra Inman, of Niles, were transported to hospitals in South Bend and Indianapolis, respectively.

Back home, members of the Buchanan and Brandywine communities are rallying behind their own. Just hours after the accident occurred, both school districts had initiated fundraisers for the families of Cowan and Inman, hoping to soften the financial burden as both teens fight to get well. This week, teachers, students and faculty members have set up times to be at to both schools during their summer vacations to collect donations from community members.

When Searra’s family announced on social media that doctors have determined she will likely never walk again, community members created a Go Fund Me fundraiser titled “Standing for Searra Inman,” which was shared in both communities, raising $4,375 in the first hour.

As Brandywine’s Rex Pomranka and Buchanan’s Lisa Holok said Tuesday, while heartwarming, this response is not surprising in either of these communities. As I’ve written time and time again, when a member of their own is in need, our communities step up.

In the five years since I returned to Niles, I’ve witnessed a fair share of tragedies. I’ve seen neighbors in duress, held hands of grieving friends, stood on the sidelines as terrible scenes developed, a fly on the wall as I reported the news.

While these tragedies are heart wrenching and easily the most difficult part of a job in the media, I’ve learned that there is a rainbow after every storm.

In a world that seems to get darker by the minute, it is so touching to see the outpouring of support that accompanies every tragedy.

Of course, we would prefer that these tragedies and the heartache left in their wake never occurred at all. We never want to see our neighbors lose homes to natural disasters, youth lose the ability to walk, or families lose loved ones.

But if these tragedies must occur, we are so fortunate to be part of communities that are so generous, determined to be a light during dark days.

As Searra, Dakota and their families continue to struggle through the battle ahead, I hope they are comforted knowing that their towns are back home fighting for them, offering strength when they need it most.