A Young Life Forever Changed. Those are the opening words from a GoFundMe account set up to benefit the family of 15-year-old Teddy Bone.
Bone was critically injured on June 29 when the church van he was riding in was involved in a wreck on GA 365 South in Demorest.
Isaac Weathers, whose son is close friends with the injured teen, set up the account. He speaks lovingly of the teenager whose story has made national headlines.
Describing Teddy as “vibrant” and “full of life” before the crash, Weathers says, “Teddy is the kind of friend every parent wishes for their kid.”
“His passion for life, his love for God, and his unwavering loyalty to his friends define who he is.”
The bereaved father’s words are a stark contrast to the image of the teen now on life support at Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta.
“His laughter was infectious, he had boundless energy, he was full of life and always scheming up ways to spend time with his friends,” Weathers says. “Anyone who met Teddy remembered it; he was charismatic and ready to take on life by the horns.”
Teddy’s injuries are severe, and his road to recovery is uncertain. At the last report, he showed no signs of brain activity.
“In addition to the emotional challenges, this has also put a lot of financial stress on his family. The medical bills are piling up, as well as the cost of the family being away from work and caring for Teddy,” says Weathers on the GoFundMe page.
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Dreams ‘as big as his heart’
Teddy dreamed of playing college basketball one day. Weathers says, “his dreams were as big as his heart.” A homeschooled student, he followed in the steps of several of his nine siblings and joined the team at Trinity Classical School in Mt. Airy.
According to Head of School, Susan Ramsey, Teddy is part of a tight-knit group from the private Christian school.
“All of our players are extremely close,” she explains.
It’s a closeness evident in the outpouring of emotion and community support that has followed in the days since the wreck. The online fundraiser is an extension of that support—a practical way to help ease some of the financial burdens the crash has placed on the Bones, whom Ramsey describes as a “loving, beautiful family.”
Speaking on behalf of Teddy’s parents, Leslie and Ricky Bone, Weathers says they are “incredibly grateful” for the outpouring of love and support they’ve already received.
“Your generosity will not only ease their financial burden but also give them strength and hope during this difficult time.”
To donate, click here or visit the page A Young Life Changed Forever on GoFundMe.com