A fundraiser is planned for a member of the Polk County Fire Rescue who won't see a paycheck for a while as she cares for her son who was paralyzed in a gymnastics accident.
"I’m amazed at what my family and co-workers are doing to support us," said Tina White.
White works as a medical training officer for Polk County Fire Rescue in Lakeland. The mom has been on leave since her son, David White, 18, injured his spinal column on Jan. 18, while practicing at a private gymnasium.
"He was attempting to do some double back flips," she said. "Did not make the landing correctly, landed on his neck and was immediately paralyzed."
White said since early February, she's been at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, where her son is recovering. The mom said her sick and vacation time will run out this week.
White said she plans to go at least two months without a paycheck to provide round the clock care for her son, who's a Bartow High senior.
"We’re used to having both my husband's and my income and kind of live paycheck to paycheck," she said. "It’s going to be pretty life changing for us."
That's why White's co-worker, Daniel Thomas, a paramedic, said he decided to organize a fundraiser for the family.
"I know anyone one of us could be in her situation at anytime," he said. "I believe in watching your friend's back, your partner's back. On duty as well as off duty."
Thomas said the fundraiser will be held on Saturday at the Sears Hometown Store located at 4695 CR 540A in Lakeland, beginning at 11 a.m. The White family fundraiser will include a bake sale, barbecue, raffle and car wash.
"You might have somebody from the Bulloch Family Ranch washing your car," he said.
Thomas said he hopes to raise $5,000 for White. The mom said she's very touched by the gesture.
"Thank you to everybody that’s helping to come out to do things," White said through tears. "To allow me to be able to stay home to take care of David to get him well."