POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Cool, friendly, smart, funny -- those were just some of the words Crystal Lakes Middles School students used to describe their friend and classmate Jerry Cunningham Friday morning as they prepared to walk in his honor.
"I came out here to support him because I'm good friends with him," said Aaron Corral. "I like him as a friend, a lot."
Each student donated $2 to be able to walk in honor of their classmate. For an additional $2, they received a special wristband with "Pray for Jerry" written on it.
"I thought it would be a nice way to show the family that we all care, and that we're collecting money for anything he needs," said Claudia Byrd.
Cunningham remains in an intensive care at Broward General, three weeks after he was run over while trying to board a county bus. The door closed on his arm, and the driver pulled away without realizing the teen was running alongside.
According to the family's attorney, the boy suffered a severe brain injury. Doctors don't know if he'll ever wake up.
"He's doing better but he has a very long road ahead of him," said school Principal Sabine Phillips
Phillips organized the walk and says the turnout speaks volumes not only about Jerry, but the school.
"Just the fact that one of our kids was injured, all of our kids come out in support -- that's the kind family we are here at Crystal Lake. That's why they're here," Phillips said.