By NATHAN KING
Salina Post
WICHITA — Salina teenager, Charles "CJ" Prough Jr., 19, is in a coma and fighting for his life following a motorcycle crash at the corner of Belmont Boulevard and Mayfair Drive in Salina on Oct. 10. CJ is a graduate of Central High School and received his welding certificate from Salina Tech.
"When I say he is a tough teddy bear, that is exactly what I mean," said Angel Prough, CJ's older sister. "He looks so tough, but he's just so soft on the inside."
CJ is currently on a ventilator at a hospital in Wichita and has been unresponsive since the accident. He is one of eight children, and his family would love to be by his side, waiting for him to wake up.
"It is going to be a long road to recovery for him, and we want to be here for him," said Angel.
To help cover the expensive hospital bills, travel, lodging and food costs Angel created a GoFundMe page to ask the community for help. The original page goal was $1,000. Yet after just 48 hours, the goal was met and exceeded. The current page goal is $7,000 with $3,630 raised so far.
CJ's family expressed their gratitude and overwhelming thanks to the Salina community that has offered up prayers and financial support.
"Our entire family is so thankful and blessed. It is overwhelming," Angel said. "The way that everyone can come together in a time of need is so great."
Angel wrote on CJ's GoFundMe Page, "His dreams are to sky dive, go on a cruise and visit Alaska. We hope to make his dreams come true when he makes a full recovery. He has to."
Click HERE to help the Prough Family and give a donation to the GoFundMe drive.