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MAPLETON — A Utah County neighborhood is rallying around a 2-year-old boy who is recovering after being run over by a car.
Owen Austin spent four days at Primary Children's hospital after the Sept. 22 accident. The last week and a half has been a very challenging time for his family, but their Mapleton neighbors stepped up to help out with a fundraiser Monday night.
"Every day is getting a little easier. Initially, it was almost devastating," Owen's dad, Chris Austin, told KSL News.
All of his neighbors gathered at a park near Owen's home to wish him well and help the family with medical bills.
"Everyone wants to help, but we don't know how," said neighbor Catrina Jensen. "But the financial part is very real for most families who go through this."
"I'm in shock about (the) turnout, and this is not even just neighbors," said Owen's mother, Malia Austin. "This is people from Facebook who heard about it and have come down to support Owen."
Ten days ago, Owen was standing on the sidewalk at a yard sale when a car pulled into the driveway and ran over him. Initially, his parents heard that a wheel went over his head.
When they got to the hospital, the news was already better.
"He was in pain, but he was able to talk to them and respond," Chris Austin recalled. "That's the biggest blessing so far: he was OK, and he's going to be OK."
With so many young families in the neighborhood, many of the Austins' neighbors can empathize.
"As soon as your little ones start to walk, the streets become a very scary place," neighbor Amberly Beck said.
Owen is in a body cast, and will be for six weeks. The impact broke his femur, his collarbone and a vertebra in his neck.
Owen also had a collapsed lung, but no head trauma.
"It's a miracle," Malia Austin said. "His whole face was red and bleeding, and blood scabbed over on the left side (of his face)." And it's already healed in just a week."
All of the Austins' neighbors were relieved to see Owen doing so well Monday night. In addition to the fundraiser, they've also set up an account in Owen's name at Central Bank in Utah County. Anyone who would like to help the family financially can donate.*
