In a District-wide outpouring of support, FHSD has raised over $6,000 for Harvest Ridge fifth grader Anthony Kofron after he was struck by a truck in an accident on Main Street in St. Charles. Throughout the District, schools have raised money to help with Anthony’s medical expenses through student donations, pajama days and hat days.

“It shows that we have a caring community who takes care of each other,” Harvest Ridge Principal Brien McCarthy said. “It’s just always great to see people pulling together to help each other out.”

Anthony’s accident occurred last Halloween when he was struck by a truck while trick-or-treating on Main Street. As a result of the accident, Anthony suffered two head traumas, severe ankle damage and shattered bones in one leg, leaving him in a coma. Because the fire department was on scene for Halloween festivities, Anthony received immediate medical attention and was taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Soon after, Anthony was air-lifted to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital for surgery and treatment.

“That was probably 15 minutes and they put him in the helicopter to take him over to the other hospital,” grandmother Elaine Kolfron said. “Honestly, I was scared to death. I just kept believing he was going to come out of it.”

Anthony came out of his coma on Nov. 10, but was only able to perform small actions, such as opening his eyes and squeezing his family member’s fingers. When he came fully out of the coma, Anthony was greeted with handmade cards and notes from his class at Harvest Ridge. According to his teacher, Kody Stricklin, the class misses Anthony and anticipates his arrival back at Harvest Ridge.

“I know they’re going to be very excited [when Anthony returns],” Stricklin said. “It’s going to be the exact same thing as when a new kid comes to school. It’ll be one of those reunions where they’ll pick up right where they left off.”

Since his release from Cardinal Glennon on Dec. 23, Anthony has spent time recovering in physical therapy at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge hospital and at home with his family. On Jan. 30, Anthony has an appointment to check in on his foot and ankle to determine if doctors need to proceed with prosthetic options. Overall, Anthony’s family and friends have been relieved by his recovery and are eager to watch his progress.

“For me, God was there in the moment,” Stricklin said. “Just to see this type of recovery validates all that I believe as a Christian.”

While Anthony has been recovering, he was been working with a homebound teacher five hours per week to make sure that he is keeping pace with his classmates. Although the doctors are still not sure when he will be able to return to school, Anthony is excited to come back to school and see his classmates every day.

“I think fifth grade will be super excited and support him and his sister [when he gets back],” Anthony’s choir teacher Erica Coyne said. “I hope they do something special for him.”