'We have been so deeply humbled': Family of cross-country runner hit by car grateful for community support

KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. (CBS 58) – A cross-country runner hit by a vehicle last Friday is doing better, days after the accident.

Despite suffering severe injuries after being struck by a car while practicing with his team, Westosha Central High School senior Reid Hansche is on the road to recovery.

"Miraculously, Reid is doing really well. He is able to respond to commands, talk," Karisa Wenberg said. "He crossed the street in the correct spot that he was supposed to; it's a freak accident and accidents happen, and I know from the moment it happened that was what the Hansches wanted everyone to know, that they're thinking of the driver."

Wenberg has known 16-year-old Reid Hansche's family for 17 years. The next-door neighbors have become good friends over the years. Once she learned that Hansche had been hit by a car on State Highway 83, and taken by helicopter to the hospital, she quickly began organizing aid for the family of five.

"It was really important for me to bring the community together, because I think when tragedy happens, families feel alone, like the world is still going on and they are in the hospital fighting for their kids," she said.

She started a meal train to provide them with food and allow people to donate monetarily. As of Tuesday, over $29,000 had been raised.

"This community, as in the Central Westosha community, is like no other," Wenberg said.

Wenberg also held a prayer vigil for the family outside Westosha High School Sunday night, and over 250 attended.

"I think they needed time to process before they showed up to school on Monday and everyone expected them just to get back to normal," she said.

The Hansche family tells CBS 58 they are touched by all the support they have received.

In a statement, they said, "There are no words that can begin to adequately express our gratitude for all the love and support that has been shown for Reid. We have been so deeply humbled by such kindness towards our family from friends, neighbors, and the community. Please keep his teammates, coaches, first responders, and medical staff in your prayers. Most importantly, we thank God for his Grace and Mercy."

To donate to the meal train, click here.