VILLAGE OF GOWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Jayden Kramer, also known as J.J., has been fighting for his life since August after he was hit by a car while riding his bicycle along State Route 62.
Police say J.J. was found on the side of State Route 62 with evidence and debris that indicated he was hit by a car that left the scene.
The 13-year-old boy was released from the hospital and welcomed home by the Gowanda community during a parade on Thursday.
Valerie Eddy, a family friend of the Kramers, told 7 News about the emotional moment.
"It was an outpouring of the community," Eddy said. "Love that they have been showing him since the beginning of this accident. It was amazing."
Eddy said J.J. snapped his fingers and pointed at onlookers as they welcomed him home.
"My family was there the morning he was sent to Oishei Children's Hospital. I cannot describe the unimaginable hurt that I felt for him and for his family. His mother especially, because I'm a mom," Eddy said.
J.J. still has many hurdles to overcome. Eddy said he has had to relearn how to walk and will be in between doctors and rehab.
"I can't imagine how he has accomplished what he has accomplished since this ordeal," Eddy said. "He has a long road of recovery, for sure, but what he has accomplished so far is amazing."
Jayden's mom Charlene told 7 News in August that he had several injuries including a collapsed lung.
Eddy said the community is hosting a benefit on October 12 to help with medical bills. It's happening at the Gowanda Moose Lodge from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each and children 13 and under are free.
For ticket purchases and basket donations, contact Valerie at (716) 864-9474 or Colleen at (716) 803-5618. Valerie Eddy is accepting pre-sale tickets through Venmo at @Valerie-Edd. At the door, all aspects of the event will be cash only, including the auction.
