Ongoing effort to support East Northport couple seriously injured in head-on crash

A community-wide effort to support an East Northport couple seriously injured in a car crash has received overwhelming support, raising nearly $150,000 in just one week. “We are just so beyond grateful they are alive. We are so thankful to everyone who has reached out, donated, and continues with the prayers. It’s just amazing, this community, that we could never thank everyone enough,” said Commack resident Brianna Rose.

Rose’s sister, Chelsea Zamzam, was on the way back from a date night with her husband Bryan last Sunday, July 14, when their car was hit head-on by a wrong-way driver. Both Chelsea and Bryan “sustained severe and life-altering injuries and will require multiple surgeries on their long road to recovery,” reads a GoFundMe set up by the couple’s close friend, Steven Sineno. 

According to reports, the Zamzams were traveling east on Sunrise Highway in West Islip at approximately 9:35pm when a driver crashed head-on into their Jeep Grand Cherokee. Chelsea was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, while Bryan was taken to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. They remain in separate hospitals now, one week after the accident. 

Bryan and Chelsea “have a very long road to recovery and their updates are literally changing hour to hour,” Rose told the Journal. Chelsea suffered a fractured spine among other injuries  and is being closely monitored, she said, while Bryan – who has already undergone surgery for a broken leg and broken right arm – awaits additional surgery for his injuries. Once released from the hospital, she said, Bryan will have to stay in an in-patient rehabilitation center for at least six weeks.  

The couple’s three children, ages 6, 4 and 1, were able to see their parents this past Saturday, the first time since the accident. 

“Bryan and Chelsea are exceptional parents, and their strength and love for their children are truly inspiring,” Sineno wrote in the GoFundMe. “They are involved in every aspect of their children’s lives, from running them to karate and dance lessons, to special days enjoying ice cream and watching sunsets.”

In addition to raising their family, the Zamzams are lead singers of Hot Date Band, a high-energy cover band specializing in weddings and private events. Their family, including Rose, were “cheering them on” at their last show at Music on Main in Farmingdale the Thursday before the accident, she said. The couple will now miss the remainder of their summer shows during their busiest time of year. 

“Their love for music and performing together not only sustains them, but also brings immense happiness to their audiences, spreading joy through their music at weddings, summer festivals, street fairs, and local events for many years,” Sineno wrote. “It’s difficult to express how undeserving Bryan and Chelsea are of this tragedy. They have been integral members of the Long Island community, bringing joy and celebrating with local couples on their wedding days. They are exemplary Long Islanders and role models for all of us.”

It will also be some time before Bryan, owner of Long Island Hood Cleaning, can return to his business. “Managing medical bills and maintaining their household, now with their single income compromised and three children to care for, will be incredibly challenging,” Sineno wrote, adding that Bryan’s insurance has denied coverage for subacute rehab, “which costs $30,000 per month and is needed upfront.”

“Bryan’s inability to drive and work, and Chelsea’s uncertain recovery, bring tears to my eyes when I think about how they will manage daily tasks and care for their children,” he concluded. “We need more people like Bryan and Chelsea in the world, and it’s heartbreaking to see them facing such hardships. Everyone is working to assist them in any way possible and praying that they will be singing and dancing together soon.”

Anyone wishing to donate to the Zamzam GoFundMe can do so here.