Thursday evening La Porte Mayor Blair Milo presented her State of the City Address to the La Porte City Council on an emotional evening for all who attended. During the address, Milo made a special presentation for Jaidyn and Neilah Maule. She declared the two young girls as Ambassadors of the City of La Porte.
In July of 2012, Jaidyn and Neilah Maule were in an automobile accident. Both girls were critically injured. Jaidyn was airlifted down to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis and doctors did not believe that Neilah would survive due to a traumatic brain injury caused by the accident, but both girls fought hard. They were even in attendance at the State of the City Address.
The Maule family persevered and showed strength through the whole ordeal. The La Porte community as well as the communities of the surrounding towns and cities has greatly supported the girls through prayer, emotional support and monetary donations. Neilah was able to walk with some help into the council chambers and all who witnessed it became very emotional.
Jaidyn and Neilah’s parents spoke as well. Kelly Maule revisited the accident, talking about how much she endured and how helpful everyone was. She spoke about a prayer vigil that the community had for the two girls. Maule listened to it from the hospital with Neilah. She said it was a very emotional experience. She also said she was very thankful for all of the fundraisers and all of the support of the community. There were so many fundraisers to help the family out that she could not even keep up with all of them. When people weren’t sending some type of gift, they would stop in and visit the girls.
Jon Maule, who was in the accident along with Jaidyn and Neilah, said he was absolutely thankful at the outpouring of the community.
Mayor Milo said she is proud to call the Maule family members of the La Porte community and presented ceremonial Keys to the City to both girls as well as plaques and small stuffed unicorns. Her voice shook with emotion as she spoke of their bravery and described them as “princesses” and “miracles” because of the recovery that they made even though their injuries were severe.
Click here to view the entire photo gallery from the State of the City Address.
Photos by Richard Warner of LaPorteCountyLife