MUSKEGON, Mich. (WZZM) - Hundreds participated in a lakeshore fundraiser in North Muskegon on Saturday, Nov. 7 for 19-year-old Andrew Bos, who's from Fruitport Township, Mich. The event was to benefit the motorcycle crash victim, who hopes to be able to go back to a handicapped accessible home when he recovers from his injuries.
More than 70 volunteers helped in a pancake breakfast at First Evangelical Church for the 19-year-old.
In April of 2008, Andrew suffered a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle accident. Since September of 2008, he's been living at the Brookhaven Medical Care facility in Muskegon.
"A hundred percent goes into the Andrew Bos foundation, which will go to remodeling so that when Andrew can finally get into Mary Free Bed (rehabilitation hospital in Grand Rapids) - they don't have an open bed yet - we're praying and hoping we can get him in (and) then we can bring him home," said event coordinator Cindy Short.
"Were hopeful it could be next week; it could be next month, you know, that we're over in Grand Rapids soon," said Myke & Steve Bos, who are Andrew's Parents. "He hasn't had true physical and occupational therapy since last December; since last Christmas."
Event organizers say four different churches helped in Saturday's effort. And the Bos family says the community response speaks volumes.
"We've seen people we haven't seen in 20 years. It's just been amazing."
"It's been two months since he woke up," said Short. "They said there was no hope and we know with God there's hope."
"We see the changes in him," said Myke & Steve Bos. "We know he's progressing. We just, more or less, take it and work with him."
Until the day when Andrew makes a full recovery, his family remains optimistic about the future.
"Where we're hopeful he'll be ... would be walking and talking and resuming a normal life. If people who are trained in brain trauma pick up the ball and really work with him, maybe six months. We don't know. We've never been down this road."
And while the road may seem a little uncertain, the support the Bos family received is uplifting
"We're gonna bring Andrew home!" said some of the volunteer staff with a big smile.
Nearly $10,000 was raised for the benefit in North Muskegon.
David Solano
In your voice
