By admin 
YADKIN COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — An 18-year-old Yadkin County teen is beginning a long recovery after being hit by a van last week in East Bend.
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Carl Jenkins, who has autism, was left with life-threatening injuries after being hit on June 11 around 5 p.m.
According to the State Highway Patrol, Carl ran into the road on Forbush Road, and the driver is not facing charges. Now, Carl’s family is leaning on faith and community as they face an uncertain road ahead.
Nightmare
For Carl’s father, Josh Jenkins, the nightmare began with a phone call.
“He was not responsive,” Josh said.
Carl was rushed to a hospital in Winston-Salem, where Josh was finally able to see him.
“At that first night, it was 50/50 whether or not he could survive that evening,” Josh said.
Josh says Carl suffered traumatic injuries to his leg, brain, lung, pelvis and his vertebrae.
“I am just waiting for the day I can see his big brown eyes again,” Erin Jenkins, Carl’s mother said.
For Josh and Erin, Carl’s the blessing they chose and the family they built.
“We adopted all four of our children from the North Carolina foster care system. We met Carl when he was four,” Josh said.
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As educators, they felt called to provide Carl the support he needed.
“We made a promise to them that we were a forever family and serve them no matter what, and we knew we would be taking care of Carl for the majority of his life, but now that promise has not changed,” Josh said.
Tragedy
According to troopers, Carl ran into the road and was hit by a van. The driver was not at fault and will not face any charges.
The tragedy nearly led the family to close Pisgah Needleworks, which is a business where Carl worked and learned skills, stepping towards independence.
Instead, inspired by Carl’s fight, they vowed to keep fighting, too.
“When he would get upset, I would remind him to be a sunflower. When you are in a dark place, you turn your head and your heart to the light of the people that love and care about you,” Josh said.
Now, that is exactly what the family is doing.
“He hasn’t been awake, … so we keep saying, ‘We are here. We love you. You are not alone,’” Josh said.
Carl’s family says they are thankful the community has flooded them with cards and messages of support.
So, as soon as Carl gains consciousness, the first thing they plan to do is to read every one of those cards with him.
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A GoFundMe has been set up.