On August 25, 9-year-old Marlee Sinitiere opened her eyes three weeks after brain surgery. 

On August 7, Marlee sustained serious injuries when she was involved in a car crash on US 90.  Three of her family members were killed in that crash.; 22-year-old Abbie Sinitiere, her two-year-old son Maxxon and an unborn child, all from Franklin.

Dylan LeBlanc, 22 of Youngsville, who was driving under the influence crossed the center lane on US 90 and struck the vehicle driven by Sinitiere.  

When the crash happened. the family was reportedly driving home after back-to-school shopping.  

Marlee along with 11 -year-old Jaiden Sinitiere and 3-year-old Bentley Sinitiere survived the crash, according to family member, Aunt Shante Sinitiere.

After they were transported to a Baton Rouge hospital with serious to severe injuries, Jaiden and Bentley were released within a week. 

Marlee remained in ICU where she was on a breathing tube and being fed intravenously.  On August 25, she slowly opened both eyes.

Family members say the next day she was eating ice chips and watching episodes of Spongebob.

Marlee was recently transferred to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans to begin therapy.

“Right now her release date is set for October 25, but her therapy is going so well that they are having to create new therapy sessions specifically for her,” Sinitiere said.  “She still has a long road ahead of her and is having to re-learn most things we learn as a baby.” 

Sinitiere says the family is holding-up as expected with some days being harder than others, and that everyone is figuring out ways to adjust.

“It’s difficult at times, especially for my brother, as he lost half of his family in a split second; but we have stuck together and we are there for each other to try and pull each other through.” Shante Sinitiere said.

Additionally, the family says they have mounting medical bills but have put their faith and trust in God to see them through.  “We will make it.” Sinitiere said.  

Benefits are also being planned for later in the year to help.

The driver in the oncoming vehicle was charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular negligent homicide, first degree feticide, and reckless operation of a vehicle.

Family members say Leblanc was “thrown out” of a bar on the day of the crash.