JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 5-year-old boy who was dragged by a car through a parking lot last Saturday night has been moved to Wolfson Children's Hospital, and doctors are now optimistic about his recovery.
Jenoa Alford was at the Canopy Apartments on Monument Road when he was hit by a slow-moving car and dragged for eight parking spaces. Jenoa's mother, Kentaura Richardson, said she was finally able to stop the vehicle.
Jenoa was taken to Shands Jacksonville Medical Center in critical condition. Doctors initially said they didn't expect him to survive, but his parents say he's beating all odds.
"Right now he's doing OK, considering the circumstances from day one until now that doctors are calling him a miracle," said Bill Alford, Jenoa's father.
A fundraiser was held Friday morning to help Jenoa's family. The fundraiser at Mimi's Cafe at the St. Johns Town Center was sponsored by 99.9 FM Gator Country. More than $1,000 was raised.
An additional 15 percent of the restaurant's food sales during the three-hour fundraiser will go toward Jenoa's medical expenses.
Jenoa's dad is a member of the Jacksonville Sharks, and members of the team were there to sign autographs and show their support for their teammate and his son.
"It's just amazing what people are doing," said Charlie Hunt, a linebacker for the Sharks. "People that have never met Jenoa or Bill or their family. It's just awesome."
Hunt, who's teammates and best friends with Jenoa's dad, said the whole team misses Jenoa's energetic personality on the sidelines, but they know he'll be back soon.
"Something like this happens, it just puts everything into perspective, and it's just so amazing," Hunt said. "But he's such a fighter. He's come a long way. He's doing a lot better."
If you missed the fundraiser, you can still donate by clicking here.