Andover Community Pays Tribute to 5-Year-Old Victim and Launches Road Safety Charity
The Andover community in Massachusetts is honoring the memory of 5-year-old Sidney Olson, who tragically lost her life after being hit by a truck while crossing the street in May. Sidney’s parents, Mary Beth Ellis and Eric Olson, are determined to keep their daughter’s legacy alive by launching a charity focused on road safety.
Sidney’s mother, Mary Beth Ellis, spoke about the profound impact her daughter had on their lives, saying, I want Sidney’s life to really have meaning, and for us, we think about her every day. She’s in our hearts every day. The parents fondly remembered Sidney’s infectious hugs and joyful demeanor.
In honor of Sidney’s memory, her parents established the Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund. The charity has partnered with Andover’s annual Feaster Five Road Race, which will showcase a colorful display paying tribute to Sidney on Thanksgiving. Additionally, the kids’ race on Thanksgiving day will now be called Sidney’s Rainbow Run, reflecting Sidney’s love for rainbows and her friends’ favorite colors.
Describing Sidney as a beacon of love and joy, Eric Olson expressed their desire to see their daughter’s spirit make a positive impact on the world. The Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund aims to support children’s access to education, sports, and road safety, with a particular focus on raising awareness about pedestrian safety.
Following the announcement that the driver of the truck involved in the crash will not face criminal charges, Eric Olson emphasized the need for change in terms of road safety. He believes that addressing issues such as the lack of safety features in vehicles and problematic intersections can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
The Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Fund has committed to working towards preventing accidents like Sidney’s, with the goal of sparing other families from the anguish they have experienced. While they cannot bring Sidney back, they are dedicated to ensuring that no other child is harmed in an intersection.
The Andover community has rallied behind Sidney’s memory and her parents’ cause. Eric Olson expressed his gratitude for the support they have received, calling them rainbow warriors. Their efforts to raise funds and awareness for road safety are a testament to the enduring impact Sidney has had on her community.
As the World Day of Remembrance for world traffic victims approaches, Sidney’s family hopes that people will remember the victims as more than just numbers. They stress the importance of recognizing the lives lost and taking steps to prevent further tragedies.
The upcoming race, now named in Sidney Olson’s honor, is scheduled to take place on Thursday in downtown Andover. Through their commitment to road safety, Sidney’s parents hope to ensure that her colorful spirit lives on and continues to inspire others.
