WYOMING, Mich. — Dozens of people gathered at the 36th Street Lounge in Wyoming on Sunday afternoon to support a family whose son was seriously injured in acar crash last year.
Nick Van Doeselaar suffered multiple injuries in September 2015 after he lost control of his car on I-96 and it rolled four times. Officials later said he wasn't drunk or speeding at the time. Van Doeselaar, who suffered a fractured skull, broken neck and brain trauma, still hasn't spoken, but his mother tells FOX 17 he has been able to stand with help.
"I was told he would die, and he’s doing things they said he would never do," said Nick's mother Shannon Meyer. "I was told he’d be a vegetable, and on January 4th of this year he walked for the first time with help, and he’s very strong-willed. He can shake and pound it! He’s doing awesome."
Van Doeselaar, who is now 20 years old, just returned home for the first time on Saturday. His mother says he has also played card games and has posed for a family photo session.
Sunday's benefit featured a live band, food and a 50/50 raffle. Money raised from the event will help buy Van Doeselaar a winter coat and help support costs associated with his adult foster care medical facility.
The family is also still raising money to purchase a wheelchair accessible van.
Van Doeselaar's family has set up a fund through Fifth Third Bank and have a GoFundMe page.