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8-year-old was brutally injured after crash—his classmates came up with a heartfelt gesture to support him and his family

The community refused to sit idly and surrounded the family with support.
PUBLISHED SEP 19, 2025
(L) Little boy undergoing treatment in a hospital. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| skaman306), (R) Elementary school kids together in classroom. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels| Artem Podrez)
(L) Little boy undergoing treatment in a hospital. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images| skaman306), (R) Elementary school kids together in classroom. (Representative Cover Image Source: Pexels| Artem Podrez)

Loved ones go out of their way to give their best for the people they care about. No matter how small or little this may be, it adds up to become impactful and remarkable. An 8-year-old boy named Easton Winling from Lemmer Elementary School, who met with a brutal accident earlier in June, received this significant support from his fellow second-graders, the Daily Press reported. The boy was hospitalized after a mishap at the youth micro sprints race on the dirt track at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds, Escanaba, Michigan. His classmates wanted to show they cared and did so with a heartfelt response. 

Little boy geared up in racecar for youngsters race. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| Photo by Diego Gavilanez)
Little boy geared up in racecar for youngsters race. (Representative Image Source: Unsplash| Photo by Diego Gavilanez)

The incident left the 8-year-old in the hospital for over a week. After being in the PICU, he returned home and is in recovery but will have a brace on for around 12 weeks, Upper Michigan Source reported. The Escanaba Speedway was also bereaved to hear of the accident and wanted to show their support. As a result, they started “Easton Strong,” a motto to bring awareness and gain as much help and support as possible. In a post shared on Facebook, it was revealed that Winling had to undergo surgery but the community had his back. With fundraising in full swing, they created bands, goods and other items to raise money for the Winling family. 

Elementary school kids planning and discussing together in classroom. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Pavel Danilyuk)
Elementary school kids planning and discussing together in classroom. (Representative Image Source: Pexels| Photo by Pavel Danilyuk)

In another post, they shared their “Fill our Helmet” initiative, where spectators and supporters were requested to contribute towards the treatment for the young boy. Wingling’s second-grade classmates, too, decided to come together and raise money to help support his family with his treatment. They got creative and decided to put up a lemonade stand and share refreshment while raising funds for the 8-year-old. Along with the beverage, they also had candy, baked goods and other items arranged with love for their dear friend. A post shared the invite from the eager youngsters to show that they have their friend’s back. 



 



 

Right enough, the community stepped up and raised money for the boy. The family is ever grateful for the support rendered by the community and for the brave initiative taken by the tiny hearts of the Lemmer Elementary School. His mom, Kaleigh, shared an update on Winling in a post. She wrote, “There are absolutely no words for the love and the gratitude we feel. Keep praying for our boy, the power of prayer is working.” Many people commented on the post, offering continued support. VanElsacker Farms wrote, “Prayers for this poor little guy and all of you. Stay strong Momma, you've got a tough little guy on your hands.



 

Danielle Dahlgren remarked, “He is the toughest little boy I know.” Debbie Tonn added, “Keep on, keepin’ on, Lil Buddy. We’re all cheering for ya! You’re tough and doing great! We were at the track and happy to hear you're doing so well!” One of the recent posts revealed continued donations for Winling, organized by Escanaba Speedway. Needless to say, he’s got support at every step of the way from a large community that is rooting for him with all their heart.



 

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