KEARNS, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Two Kearns children hit by an SUV are steadily recovering from their injuries.
Both children were struck by the SUV on 47th south on their way home from school last Tuesday. Tasha Pio has been home for a few days and her family says she is doing well.
Her brother, Steven was able to breathe on his own Thursday, his mother said. She also told ABC 4 that doctors may take him off a ventilator soon. He is scheduled to have his femur operated on Friday.
Future stepfather Gerald Karrick says, “He's a fighter. If it wasn't for him, the little girl probably wouldn't be alive.”
Steven took the brunt of the accident trying to protect his little sister. Karrick says, “He pulled her out of the way and stepped right in front of the car to keep her from hitting him.”
Those who know the young boy say there isn't anything he wouldn't do for Tasha. Karrick adds, “In my eyes and my heart, 'hero' doesn't describe what he did. It's unconditional love.”
The family has received overwhelming support from friends and neighbors. They say that is what's gotten them through this tough time, “It's been a really rough ride and when people step up and show the potential of what this world is supposed to be about, it's an awesome feeling. Coming from strangers it's very overwhelming.”
The Pio family has set up a donation fund for Steven and Tasha. Donations can be made at any Mountain America Credit Union.
