RAYTOWN, MO (KCTV) -
A young man who many call a miracle is recovering from a riding lawnmower crash that almost cost him his life.
Austin Mayo's parents will never forget that day in June when a phone call alerted them their son was transported by helicopter to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
After a miraculous recovery, his community is rallying to help the family raise funds for the costly medical bills.
"It was unbelievable. The doctor tried to prepare me for what I was going to see, but as a father nothing can prepare you to walk in that room. Your son is hooked up to every piece of equipment known to man," Austin's dad, Alex Mayo, said.
Austin is now out of the hospital. His journey from a coma to college courses was long. His mom, Sarah Mayo, says it all started with a frantic phone call.
"Total panic set in. I remember starting to hyperventilate and not be able to talk," Sarah Mayo said.
Austin was visiting a family friend hundreds of miles away in New Hampshire. He was mowing the lawn on a riding lawnmower when the brakes failed. Austin hit a big rock which flew him into a tree and sent the lawn mower flying 30 feet down a hill.
Austin's dad flew to the east coat, unaware of what he would see.
"He had a severe brain injury on the left side, and the whole left side of his face was fractured," Sarah Mayo said.
After surgeries, rehabilitation and physical therapy, Austin healed much sooner than doctors expected.
"I'd like to say thank you to all the people who prayed for me and responded to me. It makes me happy that they did," Austin said.
Insurance didn't cover all of Austin's medical bills, and now the family is left owing thousands of dollars, and that is why their family and friends are throwing a fundraiser.
"We're pretty blessed to have those kinds of people around us," Alex Mayo said.
A softball tournament for Austin will be held this weekend. The cost is $200 per team, and all of the proceeds will go toward Austin's medical expenses.
The tournament will be at Graceway Church located at 5460 Blue Ridge Cutoff. For more information, call 816-651-9279.
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