RANKIN, Pa. — The Rankin police chief, who many credit with saving the life of a 3-year-old girl severely injured in a crash on the Rankin Bridge last month, is now taking steps to help raise donations for her.
“My daughter has her good days and bad days. Some days she has a fever. Some days she wants to talk more,” said Sonya Martin’s father, Devon Martin.
Following the December crash, the 3-year-old is now paralyzed from the neck down and can only breathe on a ventilator. Prior to the accident, Sonya was already battling other health issues.
“She's autistic, she's partially deaf and wears glasses, but despite that, she’s a very bright, smart 3-year-old girl,” said Devon.
Sonya was in the back seat and her parents were in front when their car fishtailed on ice and struck another car on the Rankin Bridge in December.
“The words ‘guardian angel’ were used - that's to say the least. He gave me my baby back,” said Devon.
Sonya’s parents said they believe their daughter survived because Rankin Police Chief Ryan Wooten gave her life-saving CPR at the scene of the crash.
“Her dad handing her to me - her being lifeless - breaks my heart absolutely,” said Wooten.
Now, the veteran police officer is calling on the community to rally around Sonya, and people are responding in a big way, filling his office with donations for this weekend’s fundraiser for the family.
Wooten showed Channel 11 News a giant get well card that he plans to give the little girl, who loves to read.
“I'm hoping it's the right size. I'm hoping we get enough people here to sign it,” he said.
The spaghetti fundraiser is set for this Saturday. It will take place from noon to 8 p.m. at the Rankin Croatian Home.
Anyone wishing to help but unable to attend the fundraiser can make a donation online at gofundme.com/devonmartin.
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