A 5-year-old girl in Independence was mauled by a pit bull while playing in her backyard.
Aletha is in Children’s Mercy Hospital fighting for her life in a medically-induced coma.
The child suffered a skull fracture, broken collarbone, broken rib, and a significant loss of blood and oxygen from the attack. Doctors fear permanent brain damage.
A GoFundMe created by a co-worker of Aletha’s father has been circulating to gain support for the family.
“Thomas has said she’s strong,” said Andy Davies, a co-worker. “That’s one of the reasons they’re encouraged because they know she’s gonna fight.”
Andy Davies While Aletha’s father, Thomas, is taking time off to focus on her care. His co-workers started raising money to support them with all the financial obligations coming their way.
Davies said: “We’re a small company…a mom-and-pop. We try to treat each other like family and look out for each other. Thomas is going to have to take some time off work and we want to make things as easy as possible. We know there will be expenses that come up.”