Fundraiser planned for accident victim

By Ed Runyan | June 25, 2012 at 12:05a.m.

Marissa

WARREN

Jessica Hampton of Newton Falls says the story of 7-year-old Marissa Kay Vincent, who suffered life-threatening injuries May 25 at her home in Howland when she was struck by a Bobcat bulldozer, prompted her to take action.

She’s organizing a family-oriented fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Courthouse Square in Warren featuring food, music, games, prizes a bounce-around and inflatable slide. Admission and rides are free.

But Hampton is not the only person who has been motivated to help. Children have raised money through lemonade stands, and adults are having other types of fundraisers.

Through the social-media site Facebook, thousands of people are reading updates regarding Marissa’s progress at Akron Children’s Hospital, and donations are being made at Woodforest Bank branches in Walmart.

“It’s amazing, the support the family has,” Hampton said.

The girl suffered internal injuries, a shattered pelvis, two broken femur bones and severe leg damage, according to a Facebook page her family has created.

She’s likely to remain in the hospital six more months, after which she is likely to return home but be limited to a wheelchair and have to continue occupational and physical therapy to regain use of her lower body.

She moved her feet and legs for the first time earlier this week, Hampton said.

The family has no insurance to cover the girl’s medical bills, and their home will require extensive changes to accommodate the girl’s disabilities, so a Kinsman church is donating its time and materials to build her a ramp, Hampton said.

Many other companies are donating to Saturday’s fundraiser and other projects.

“I would definitely need the help if I were in that situation,” Hampton said. “As a Christian and as a human being, this is what it’s all about.”