Benefit Raises Thousands for Wyandotte Boy Hit by Train

Hundreds of people helped raise thousands of dollars Sunday for a 14-year-old Wyandotte boy hospitalized in critical condition after being struck by a train Feb. 28.

hosted a five-hour benefit dinner for Jacob Marion, which also doubled as the first public event where the teen's family had a chance to thank the community for the outpouring of support that's poured in since the accident.

"Witnessing the actions of the community has at times rendered our family speechless," they said, "The support has been profoundly moving and this has brought great comfort to all of us. ... These past 13 days have been the most difficult and painful days of our lives, but knowing we have so much support is so very consoling."

Monica Marion said she hates to leave her son's bedside, but needed to come to the fundraiser to personally thank all of those who have been there for her family. She has been staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which is located on the grounds of Children’s Hospital of Michigan, where Jacob remains.

She said she's given constant updates on his condition, which has improved since he was first admitted.

“Their main concern is that he hasn’t woken up yet," Marion said. "The brain is so mysterious to doctors that they don’t have an answer for me at this time. ... We’re praying and all these prayers have worked so far. Amazing healing.”

Jacob's twin sister, Brittani, said she was touched by the amount of people who came out Sunday.

“The fundraiser is wonderful that everyone is coming together to support my brother," she said. "Wyandotte is such a good community."

Tina Milewski of , who organized the fundraiser, said more than $14,000 was raised.

Michael Peta and his girlfriend, Wendy Nelson, were amongst the crowd of supporters. While they didn't know Jacob, they said, they wanted to come out and get behind his swift recovery.

"It's cool that this many people came out to support this kid," Peta said. "Everyone's pulling for him and we wish him and his family the best."

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