Nearly $70K Raised For Cape Woman Hit By Vehicle At Barnstable Transfer Station

BARNSTABLE, MA — The Cape Cod woman struck by a car while throwing away trash at the Barnstable Transfer Station is in good spirits but will require a serious medical procedure, a family member said.

Dawn Capra was identified as the woman struck by a car at the transfer station last week. Her son, Josh Capra, has created an online fundraiser to help with medical fees, which has since raised nearly $70,000.

Capra's injuries, according to her son, include a broken femur in both legs and "extensive damage" to her right lower leg. While surgery on her left leg was successful, the younger Capra said the decision was made to amputate her right leg.

"In Dawn’s words, 'just take the leg!'," Capra said.

The Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire Department responded to the transfer station just before 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Capra was initially taken to a Plymouth hospital, but needed to be flown to a hospital in Boston for further treatment.

Barnstable police said they are investigating the accident.

About Dawn

The online fundraiser created an organizing platform for the community to help out Capra, who has been offering her help for over two decades on Cape Cod.

According to the fundraiser, she has taken in foster children, served as a cheerleading coach and raised five children.

The description reads:

"As many of you know, Dawn is an incredibly selfless person that has positively influenced countless lives. For those who do not know her personally, first she is a mother. After raising five kids of her own into adulthood, she has opened her home and heart to many children in need of a foster home. Three foster children now call her mom officially, after being adopted into our ever growing family.

Second, Dawn is a longstanding cheerleading coach. Establishing Cape All Stars in 1996, now known as Cape Cod Cheer Academy, she has created a place for thousands of kids to learn, grow, and have a place of safety and belonging. Dawn is independent doing all of this on her own."

A link to the fundraiser can be found here.