Fundraiser planned for Oak Creek student hit by car last September

OAK CREEK (CBS 58) -- A fundraiser will be held next weekend for Lily Putnam, the Oak Creek High School student who was hit by a car while outside the school last September.

The fundraiser will help with costs for in-home care. Putnam suffered severe injuries to her brain and brain stem. For more than one month, she was unconscious in the ICU.

"No one knew if she was ever going to wake up open her eyes," said her mom Nikki Conatty-Putnam.

She did, and in December was moved to a rehab facility in Chicago where she worked on muscle strength, balance, and a form of communication using her eyes.

Now at home, she has a CNA come three times a week and has therapy once a week.

"She has now progressed to giving a thumbs up with her real hand and facial expressions where it starts off as a side smile almost like a grimace to a full smile," said Conatty-Putnam.

Her family is hoping to continue helping her improve with more therapy.

"I think she could benefit with the amount of therapies that she can receive, I think she will respond very well with that," said Putnam.

The fundraiser for Putnam will be held at American Legion Post 434 at 9327 South Shepard Avenue in Oak Creek from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on August 3.

There will be 50/50 raffles, meat raffles, a silent auction, a bake sale, music and kid's activities.

There will be another fundraiser for Putnam on September 29. There will be a poker run sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders that starts at 9 a.m. at the Oak Creek American Legion Post 434.

Those interested in participating can contact the Oak Creek American Legion Post 434 at 414-762-9660.