Walker event raises $2,372

The Clay Walker benefit on Saturday raised $2,372 -- the exact amount of money the teenager's family needed to pay for his treatment.

The event, held at First Baptist Church in Siloam Springs, included a spaghetti dinner and a show by White Mouse Puppet Ministry.

Walker, his mother Tiassia Vega and sister Alexis Walker were involved in a vehicle accident in Pensacola, Fla., on March 10 while on their way to spring break vacation.

Walker, who was seriously injured during the accident, is still in a rehabilitation hospital recovering from a traumatic brain injury, according to Tina Evans, organizer of the fundraiser.

Walker is in need of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help his brain heal but it isn't covered by insurance, Vega said. Insurance covers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for all kinds of medical problems, including traumatic brain injury in adults, obesity and smoking. It doesn't cover therapy for children with traumatic brain injury because not enough studies have been done to prove the therapy is effective for adolescents, Vega explained.

The family has been saving money and had some money from previous fundraisers but were still around $2,300 short of the amount they needed to begin treatment. The fundraiser brought in the exact difference plus about $100, Vega said.

"My mouth was wide open," she said, describing her reaction to hearing how much money was raised. "I prayed and I thought if that's what our next step is God's going to open every door."

Walker will return home on Sept. 25. He will then begin eight weeks of treatment at a clinic in Jenks, Okla., before going back to school.

Walker was able to attend the benefit on Saturday and see many of his friends from school for the first time since the accident. Walker was a football player last year. His teammates on the ninth-grade football team were at the benefit and presented Walker with an honorary jersey.

"It was good to see my son left an impression for all of them to want to pray for him and be there for him," Vega said. "They have never stopped calling or messaging to check on him. It felt really good to know that Clay meant that much to all of them."

The White Mouse Puppet Ministry selects a family to support each year, Evans said. This year they have selected the Walker family. In addition to putting on a show for the fundraiser, the ministry donated $1,000 toward the $2,372 raised at the event. They also pray for the Walkers before each practice and puppet show, she said.

A total of 75 meals were served at the spaghetti supper raising $1,200. The meals were $5 each and many people gave extra, Evans said.

"We're very overwhelmed and thankful for what everybody's done," Vega said.