Fundraiser set this weekend for teen injured in wreck

Published 5:15 am Thursday, August 4, 2016

Anna Hughes received some positive news Wednesday ahead of a benefit this weekend to raise money for the Vinemont teen’s medical bills.

Doctors confirmed her brain is receiving signals from her feet which is an encouraging sign, said Brandy Sears, a family friend who is spearheading the fundraiser. The 17-year-old is recovering from a severe neck injury she suffered in a wreck June 25.

Alabama State Troopers said Hughes’ vehicle ran off the County Road 25 and slammed into tree near Bremen. Hughes was rushed to Huntsville Hospital with critical injuries. Tragically, her friend and fellow cheerleader, Whitney Cotton, 17, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The two were set to begin their senior year at Vinemont High this month.

Since that life-changing night, Hughes has been transferred from Huntsville Hospital’s neuro-intensive care unit to UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Center.

“The support she has from her family, friends and community makes her feel better,” Sears said. “She’s heartbroken over Whitney, but she’s tried to keep a positive attitude about her recovery. She’s doing everything the doctors tell her to, no matter how uncomfortable it is.”

Sears said Anna is able to move her left arm, and this week, her toes twitched while Sears painted her nails. Doctors first thought it was simply spasms but determined Wednesday her brain was accepting messages from her toes and feet, giving her some hope for the future.

The mounting medical bills, though, are staggering, and a handicap-accessible home and vehicle are not cheap. Anna’s parents, Randy and Denise Hughes, are preparing to take care of their daughter when she comes home.

“She’s going to be completely dependent on them, and they want to give her the best care possible,” Sears said. “They’re so grateful for all the support they’ve gotten from everyone, and they’re so proud to be from a community that cares so much. They’re proud of Cullman County.”

Beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, friends, family and volunteers will hold a raffle and silent auction for a number of donated items, which include a $400 jewelry set and matching lamps.

Children can come out and enjoy free activities like a bubble machine, ball pit, horse shoes, corn hole and live music. Pony rides will be $3, and local vendors, including Snow Biz, will be on hand selling various food and drinks.

Motorcyclists are also invited to participate in a ride. They can sign up beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at Smith Farms, with organizers asking for a donation to go toward Hughes. The ride will begin at 10 a.m. and return at noon.

Smith Farms is located at 1825 Fourth St. S.W. (U.S. 278 West) in Cullman. For those who can’t make it to Saturday’s fundraiser but still want to help, a fund has been established at Premiere Bank. Donations can be made for Anna Hughes at the Vinemont branch, and under her sister’s name, Lindsey Estes, at all other locations.

For more information about the event, visit the Anna Hughes fundraiser at SmithFarms Facebook page.

Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.