He just needed someone to lean on.
The 12-year-old Fruit Cove boy who was severely injured in an e-bike crash earlier this week got out of bed for the first time Friday—and reached out to a physical therapist for comfort, a moving new video shows.
Appearing dazed but aware of his surroundings, Parker Anderson gave the caregiver an extended hug, resting his battered head on the her shoulder.
The video, released by friends and family on a GoFundMe page that has already raised nearly $80,000, marks a major milestone in Parker’s recovery.
“Incredible steps taken by Parker today!” reads the accompanying message. “Out of bed and giving out hugs. So grateful for the amazing medical team providing Parker with the best care available. Looking forward to sharing more beautiful scenes from his progress toward a full recovery!”
The one-minute clip shows visible scrapes and cuts on Parker’s face and heavy bandaging on his arm. At points, he can be heard moaning softly and asking for his sister, Payton.
A student at Fruit Cove Middle School, Parker lost his mother six years ago and is being raised by his father and only sibling.
The accident occurred Monday evening as Parker was riding along the sidewalk on Race Track Road. After attempting a trick on his e-bike, he lost control and crashed hard onto the asphalt.
The injuries were severe.
Parker briefly stopped breathing in the back of the ambulance before being airlifted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital, where he was stabilized and placed in a coma.
He opened his eyes for the first time on Wednesday, following days of intensive care and constant bedside vigil from his father, Jeremy Anderson
Parker suffered a fractured skull and multiple other injuries in the fall.
“I wasn’t prepared for what I saw,” Jeremy told The Citizen. “Tubes everywhere, the neck brace, his face. I just dropped to my knees.”
The local community quickly rallied behind the family, organizing the GoFundMe campaign and holding a candlelight vigil Wednesday night.
Now, with Parker slowly on the mend, his father’s spirits have lifted.
“He’s a good, sweet kid,” Jeremy said. “We’re just praying he’s going to be okay.”
