May 23, 2012
KINGSTON, Tenn. (WVLT)- While a Roane County firefighter continues his fight to recover from severe injuries, his community is reaching out to help his family.
18 year old Caleb Wilson was critically injured when his car collided with a horse last month.
That night, his mom was told he may not make it to morning. But now she says he's a breathing miracle.
"I got 25, 30 anywhere?"
Hundreds of family, friends, and a firefighting brotherhood packed the New Midway Baptist Church for one Roane County High Senior, Caleb Wilson.
Caleb's mom Helena Harper says,
"all of Roane County, Oak Ridge, those people have prayed for him in other states. It's been unbelievable."
There was food, an auction, but also time for everyone to show their support for Wilson, his mom, and their family.
Caleb's mom Helena Harper says,
"the first night, they told me he would not live through the night, and all I could do was pray."
Since that night, Caleb's come a long way.
Harper says he can walk, talk, move his arms, and his memory is improving as he recovers at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center.
"They're working with him on psychological testing, speech therapy so far he's doing wonderful" -
"It's been rough like you said. He's one of those that we can count on to respond and we're just doing everything we can for him and his family while we wait for him to get back."
And when Caleb does leave the hospital, Harper says she's going to throw him a huge "welcome home party."
More than six thousand dollars was raised Saturday night, which was more than expected.
The family has set up Facebook page for Caleb.
