Last week, we told you about the tragic story of Katie Bartlett, who died from a lightning strike just days after her wedding.
Fifteen-year-old Brian Tena was also struck by lightning — and while he survived, the impact of this event has been shattering for him and his family.
He remains in the hospital nearly three months after the incident, and doctors reportedly believe he will never have normal movement again.
This diagnosis is even more tragic given happy Facebook portraits like this one....
...and this one....
...as well as assorted videos he posted to YouTube. Here's one of him "raving."
Then, on May 1, Brian was walking across a field in his hometown of Aurora when lightning struck with such ferocity that it tore a hole in the ground....
...and left shredded clothing behind.
Brian wound up in Children's Hospital, and he remains there to this day — and this week, his mother, Yadira Cardenas, shared his dire prognosis with Fox31.
According to her, he's made little progress since May. For the most part, he's been unconscious.
Doctors are hoping he'll be able to go home in four weeks or so, but he probably won't ever have motor control again. In all likelihood, he'll be "locked down to a wheelchair," the station reports.
The staggering expenses for Brian's care inspired a friend of the family to set up a GoFundMe page that will hopefully see a burst of donations now that his loved ones have stepped forward.
At this writing, $1,685 has been pledged toward a goal of $10,000.
The page's most recent update reads:
We keep paying for Brian recovery, so grateful for all the donations so far. They've been so helpful for Brian's family. Please keep Brian and his family in your prayers... He still is in the hospital almost three months in this fight, hoping for a miracle.. Thanks all of you for your support ...Anything at this point will help tremendously. God bless you all ....If you'd like to help, click here. In addition, a fundraiser has been scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on August 2 at Work Out West (WOW) Gym, 5701 West 20th Street in Greeley.
Here's the aforementioned Fox31 report.
Send your story tips to the author, Michael Roberts.