Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe/Fox 5 News
Topics: US News, Health, Food and Drink, Viral
Emily Brown
An 11-year-old boy in the United States has started selling lemonade to help cover the cost of his medical bills after getting hit by a car.
Teddy Counihan, of Locust Grove, Georgia, was riding his bike around his neighbourhood the day after Mother's Day when he was struck by the vehicle.
The incident, which took place just months after Teddy's mother had passed away, left him suffering a skull fracture, broken tibia, fibula and road rash.
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Teddy was taken to hospital for treatment, with images shared by the family showing him with a neck brace and oxygen tube, and though he's now back on his feet he told Fox5 News he's 'still a little sore after walking a bit during the day'.
His father, Theodore Counihan, told the outlet Teddy's bike was 'really wedged up under the front of the car', adding: "She hit him really good. It's been a chain of events for sure, and I'm very happy he's here with us."
Teddy's injuries combined with rehabilitation and surgeries mean he hasn't been able to spend his summer riding around on his bike, and with medical bills racking up he decided to begin a new venture.
"We needed to make up an idea to raise money for the hospital bills," Teddy explained.
The 11-year-old has started serving up glasses of refreshing lemonade to customers who pass by his home, with word spreading fast to locals in the area, around 36 miles south of Atlanta.
One resident, Joe List, explained: "I saw it pop up on my phone. I said it's just around the corner, let's go."
Teddy has even sold lemonade to Locust Grove police as the community rallies around him, though his family have also started an online fundraiser for those who aren't able to visit his lemonade stand.
A post on the GoFundMe page reads: "Hi my name is Ted, My son is 11 years old and was hit by a car. He has a broken tibula and fibula. He also has a skull fracture and road rash. His Mom passed away last October so times are tough right now. We are facing alot [sic] of hospital bills and everything helps."
The GoFundMe page has so far raised more than $10,000, surpassing the halfway point to its goal of $20,000. It's unclear whether the family have insurance to help reduce the costs of Teddy's care.
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