GoFundMe account set up for boy severely injured in auto accident
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help with medical expenses of a boy who suffered severe injuries in a wreck that took the life of his father.
Ryder Stone, age 4, was a passenger, along with his sister, Raelyn, in an automobile driven by his father, Rocky Stone on Sunday, Sept. 18. Stone hydroplaned on Red Bud Road, losing control of his vehicle and was struck by a Ford F-250. Rocky Stone was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Ryder was immediately t ransferred to T. C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn. in critical condition
According to Ryder’s mom, Paige Hall, his recovery will be long and she will be out of work for a long time, not only helping with Ryder, but with taking care of her unborn child. The accident, said Paige, has been life changing in many ways.
“Last week, my life was completely shattered,” said Paige. “Not only my life, but my whole family’s as well. From a mothers standpoint, I thought my life was over.”
While Ryder has made many positive steps in recovery, the family received devastating news over the weekend. “Ryder has fought as hard as he possibly can. He continues to fight every day,” said Paige. “In saying that, we got the worst news of our life this weekendhis MRI results were truly devastating and crushed me to my soul. Ryder has T3 spinal fracture that nearly severed his spinal chord in half. He has less than 1 percent chance to ever walk again.”
Devastated, Paige didn’t want to go on after receiving the news. “But as I was receiving this news, I looked at my son and I felt so selfish,” said Paige. “Selfish for being upset that my son would never have use of his legs again. Ryder is still very much alive. He has no brain injuries, and thankfully still has use of his arms. He is still my beautiful, funny, amazing child.”
After receiving the MRI results, Ryder was taken to surgery immediately to fuse his spine back together in order to ensure the injury would not cause any more damage or affect any other part of his movement.
“We got back from surgery and got him situated,” said Paige. “Needless to say, that