West Texas community rallies around Permian student after car crash

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – On February 19, 2022, a tragic accident in Big Spring left Permian senior Jacob Paredes seriously injured.

As he continues his long road to recovery, the West Texas community has rallied behind Paredes and his family.

Last month, Becky Paredes answered the call that all mothers dread. Her 18-year-old son, Jacob, had to be airlifted to Lubbock after a car crash in Big Spring.

Becky’s best friend hosts fundraisers and benefits as Jacob faces a long road to recovery.

Natalie Lopez, a friend of the Paredes family, has organized a fundraiser for Jacob’s medical expenses and the thirty thousand dollars of the thirty-five thousand dollar goal has already been raised.

On Thursday evening, a benefit run was held for Jacob in downtown Odessa.

It was free for anyone who wanted to run or walk the one kilometer loop in support of the Paredes family.

The runners wore shirts that read “it’s not if, it’s when” to show how much they believe Jacob will come home.

Lopez says the support has meant the world to the Paredes family.

“I guess I would say she’s my best friend,” Lopez said. “So it’s very close to my heart. To see so many people come together to have the same heart and truly believe with me and the whole family that he is coming home. We really believe he’s coming home. It’s important and it means the world to them.

Jacob spent nearly two weeks in hospital and underwent numerous surgeries, including two in the past 24 hours.

If you would like to help Jacob and the Paredes family, you can do so here.

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