A 9-year-old boy has become a hero after escaping a tree-top bound truck and sprinting through a major storm to help save his mom and dad.
Needless to say, Branson Baker is not the average kid.
So, how’d the family, along with their truck, end up in a tree anyway?
A violent tornado unexpectedly swept through their hometown of Dickson, Oklahoma.
They were en route to a friend’s storm shelter when and EF4 monster flipped them off the road and into the tree canopy.
This was but one of fifteen confirmed tornadoes that night.
After slipping out of the mangled treetops, Branson was left facing the darkest night of his life.
In that darkness, he found his courage and began forging ahead.
He knew his parents were on a timeline now.
Without a flashlight to light the way, Branson depended on the intermittent strikes of lightning to light his way as he ran through the dark dodging power lines downed debris.
This dark, daunting mile was the path to keeping his family whole.
As Branson sprinted towards help, his mind was solely focused on saving his parents.
He managed to find a neighbor who immediately followed him back to the scene of the crash.
By the time they returned, first responders had arrived, tending to Wayne and Lindy, who were critically injured.
In the 10 days that have passed since the Baker family’s plight, Branson’s heroic actions captured hearts nationwide.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help with the medical expenses and in just a few days, the campaign has already raised over $73,000 towards a $150,000 goal.
That’s what we’d call solidarity and generosity.
News of Branson’s bravery is igniting conversations about recognizing his heroism formally.
One particularly moved donor expressed their admiration and support by reaching out to notable figures.
“I’ve contacted the White House and the Oklahoma Governor to ask that Branson be honored for his heroism. He is 9 kinds of amazing, and can’t be praised enough. I’ve also mailed something to Branson that I hope he’ll like. Godspeed to this family, and best wishes for a full and speedy recovery for Branson’s parents.” the donor wrote.
Branson’s parents both sustained multiple life-threatening injuries.
Wayne suffered a broken back, neck, sternum, ribs, and arm, and also lost part of a finger.
Lindy endured similar injuries, including a broken back, neck, jaw, right hand, ribs, and a punctured lung.
Their conditions require extended stays in intensive care and a long, uncertain road to recovery.
The Baker family has shown incredible resilience.
They are self-employed and, due to their injuries, are unable to work, which makes the financial support from the GoFundMe campaign even more necessary.
The family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support, not just financially but also through countless messages of encouragement and love.
Branson’s school and local sports teams have shown their support as well.
His baseball team donned helmets adorned with stickers bearing the Baker family name, rallying around their young teammate.
Whatever road may lie ahead, the Bakers won’t be facing it alone.
As Branson continues to be a source of inspiration and hope, his family’s journey towards recovery is just beginning.
For those moved by Branson’s bravery and the family’s ordeal, contributions to their GoFundMe can make a significant difference in their lives as they rebuild from the devastation.
Learn more about 9-year-old Branson’s incredible bravery in his interview below!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
