Community comes together for Aleasha Billing
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) - Aleasha Billing, 16, was hit by a car while crossing Lone Mountain Road, near El Capitan.
The accident happened the day after Thanksgiving. Aleasha has been in the hospital ever since.
According to police, the female driver who hit her was not impaired or speeding. Other drivers told investigators they couldn't see Aleasha in the street either. There are no street lights or crosswalks in that area.
Aleasha is in critical condition at University Medical Center but making small improvements. Doctors say the swelling in her brain has gone down. And though still on a respirator, she's initiating more breaths on her own.
Her family attributes these strides to all the love and prayers she's been receiving.
"I'm amazed at how many people have stepped-up, and have been there for us, and shown their support," says Aleasha's mom, Carrie Billing.
Carrie is holding on to hope that Aleasha will soon open her eyes and she's not alone. Personalized messages and decorated posters fill Aleasha's hospital room.
"We've almost covered all the walls," Carrie says. "She's just got so much love coming in."
The messages and posters are from Aleasha's friends and classmates at Mojave High School, who also started a donation drive in her honor. What happened to Aleasha has been a wake-up call for all of them.
"I know her and I know that she'll stay strong and make it through," says Emily Daniels.
"I know she'll keep fighting," says Daniel DeJesus. "We all love her."
"Everyone's praying for her to get better soon," adds Dannyelle Fulcer.
But it's not just the kids at Mojave trying to help. Others in the community are also reaching out. Many have donated money and meals. Yvonne Paddack and her husband donated their RV.
"I just realized they're going to be at the hospital all the time and they need a place, so they can be close," Yvonne says. "They can make some coffee and meals of their own and get a shower. It's a place to be comfortable and rest."
They're able to park the recreational vehicle in an employee parking lot at UMC.
"It's amazing," Carrie says. "It got to the point where we were driving 30 minutes just to get two or three hours of sleep. Now, we can sleep and do what we need to do, all while being only minutes away from Aleasha."
The Billing's say it's these small gestures of support that are helping make all the difference.
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