“Kid Who’s Fought Cancer” – Community Raises $5,000 for 19-Year-Old UCF Skateboarder Battling Injuries from Car Crash 

Calling for united efforts, the Longwood community recently marked their widespread support for UCF student Grayson Zrelak. After a skateboarding mishap triggered life-threatening consequences for the 19-year-old, locals were seen rallying for a charitable cause. Raising over $5000 in medical aid, the Florida teen’s drive-thru coworkers prayed for his speedy recovery. 

As a two-time cancer survivor, Grayson’s life has always been a dramatic course of disruptions. Now fighting for his life after being struck by a car, the skateboarding enthusiast was traveling to work when the sudden crash took place. Unfolding on North Ronald Reagan Blvd., the incident saw local authorities and residents join hands for this unprecedented cause. 

Community stands beside injured skateboarding enthusiast

Evidently, the skateboarding accident was recorded near Church Ave., leaving Grayson in critical conditions. Battling extensive facial fractures, he even struggled with failing lungs in a daunting aftermath. While authorities prompted immediate investigations into the crash, the young man’s colleagues were seen orchestrating a heartfelt car wash to raise funds. 

Organized behind Sonic, the skateboarding victim’s co-workers marked a remarkable show of solidarity for his betterment. Raising donations to aid his mounting medical expenses, the Longwood Fire Department soon joined them. As these collective efforts saw them wash cars together, the entire community surpassed their typical weekend activities. 

While the GoFundMe website for Grayson collected donations from widespread empaths, it gained a whopping total of over $47,000. Overwhelmed by this vivid support for the injured skateboarding enthusiast, his father Carl shared candid details, noting, “If you think you’re having a bad day take a look at a kid who’s fought cancer”, as he continued, “And now is fighting for his life and making incremental improvements to come back.”

Horrific crash poses severe outcomes 

While the Longwood Police conducted inspections on his skateboarding crash, they noted a 57-year-old driver at fault. Issuing a citation for failing to use due care for a pedestrian, the aftermath of the scene initially left Grayson in a medically induced coma at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. Unable to communicate verbally, his parents, Carl and Michelle Zrelak, expressed their anguish. 

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Significantly, Grayson’s troubles beyond his skateboarding mishap started at an early age. Diagnosed with cancer for the first time at the tender age of 10, his recent catastrophe marked another chapter of hospital care. Admitted to the ICU for over two weeks, the young man’s family shared the heartbroken repercussions of his consistent health battles. 

Known for his infectious energy and humor, the skateboarding enthusiast’s drive-thru colleagues noted Grayson’s influence on their daily chores. Describing him as enthusiastic and vibrant co-worker Alanna Johnson shared glimpses of his colorful exchanges. Claiming how he always brightens everyone’s day at work, she prayed for the injured teen’s swift recovery. 

With significant efforts in helping the skateboarding student, the Florida community has raised over $52,000 to date. Embodying the spirit of togetherness, locals urged for accountability in vehicular crashes alongside elevated road safety measures. While Grayson Zrelak’s father reflected on his strength, his words highlighted a brave soul who overcame consistent odds in life. 

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