The community is pitching in to help a Toledo family as their son fights for life. It's been about two weeks since someone attacked 16-year-old Marcus Bailey with his own metal bat after playing baseball at Waite High School.

Bailey's mother is holding on tightly to her faith and focusing on her son's recovery. That's something she says she wouldn't be able to do without the outpouring support from the community, friends, and even total strangers.

Since the attack Bailey has been in coma and unresponsive. He's undergone three surgeries.

"Whisper in his ear tell, him I love him...tell him I'm proud of him, tell him to keep fighting every day," said his mother, Shelly. "My child will have huge, huge deficits if he makes it at all," she added.

This week Shelly allowed doctors to insert a tracheostomy and feeding tube. It was not an easy decision.

"I want to save his life. I do not want to prolong his death," said Shelly.

Police arrested 18-year-old Terry Pearson and charged him with felonious assault. Detectives have not released a motive for the attack. Shelly hasn't been able to wrap her head around this senseless violence.

"Maybe that's a little bit of the reason... to bring a community and a city together because we're in Toledo. The amount of people who are showing so much love and support who know and don't know my child and my family is amazing," said Shelly.

Shelly recognizes the prognosis isn't good. But, she hasn't given up hope.

"Either God is going to give me my miracle and he's going to let me keep my baby for many many more years, or he needs him more than I do right now and I've had the 16 best years of my life," said Shelly.

Saturday, January 5 from 5-9 PM the Homeboys Bike Club is hosting a benefit to help the family cover the medical expenses. The flyer indicates if you'd like more information or to make a donation contact Celia Ramirez at 419-409-4060.

Then on January 27th, there's another fundraiser at the Sylvania American Legion from 2-8 PM.