Fundraiser to assist family of young child hit by truck
BONNERS FERRY — Tyler and Heather Navarro recently welcomed their new baby girl Olivia on May 18, making Tucker a big brother. When Heather and Olivia came home on Monday, Tucker was much more attached to dad than normal.
On May 21, Tucker rode in his dad’s truck to go to and from daycare while Tyler Navarro worked, which was always exciting for him. That evening, the family was enjoying time together when they realized they needed to go to the grocery store.
Heather Navarro brought the kids into the house while Tyler Navarro moved his truck out of the way so they could all go in the family van. Little Tucker thought that his dad was leaving without him and rushed out of the front door with mom hot on his heels, but just not fast enough, as Tucker ran in front of the moving vehicle.
Tyler Navarro felt the truck slip when the impact was made and stopped. Tucker was hit and pushed across the ground, but not run over. The family rushed to Boundary Community Hospital where, after various scans, it was determined that Tucker had a pelvic fracture and a dislocated hip. The hospital was able to put his hip back into place before transferring him to Sacred Heart Medical Center for further treatment.
While at Sacred Heart, Tucker was diagnosed with an additional neck injury and his back was treated for road rash from the gravel driveway. The family was released on Thursday, May 23, with Tucker in a neck brace and a cast starting below his armpits and continuing down to his right foot. The young toddler has been completely immobilized while his injuries heal.
“We have an uphill battle in front of us and we are prepared to face it as a family,” Heather Navarro said. “We praise God every moment that our story involves injuries because we know just how easily this could have been a different ending. All prayers and support are welcome. This is the type story that you never think will happen to you, until it does.”
The family is overcome with relief that Tucker has survived what was so close to being a tragedy.
“We are touched by the amount of support we have received and are really grateful,” said Heather Navarro. She went on to talk about how resilient Tucker is and that he is doing well.
To help the young family as they are faced with extensive medical bills, Diana Navarro is organizing an “It Takes a Village Silent and Live Auction and Taco Feed,” taking place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Ponderay Design Center, 401 Bonner Mall Way, Ponderay.
Taco bar is just $5 a plate, and they’ve received great auction items from Coles Custom Cutlery, Gold Creek Lodge, Dave Smith, Pierce Auto, and so much more.