Donations Sought For The Kenny Berry Trust

By Steve Bigham

Young Kenny Berry’s life took a sudden turn October 21 when he was hit by a car in Southbury. Nearly two months later, he remains hospitalized as he tries to recover from a serious head in jury.

A Ford Expedition struck 13-year-old Kenny while he was riding his “go-ped.” Kenny, who grew up in Newtown and recently moved to Southbury, was unconscious and near death when he was rushed to Waterbury Hospital. Minutes later, he was airlifted to Hartford Hospital where underwent brain surgery to remove a hemorrhage. There, he spent the next 10 days in the intensive care unit with his parents Ken and Tracey Berry, along with his 11-year-old sister, Michelle, by his side.

“He can’t eat, he can’t walk, he can’t talk or move the right side of his body,” explained Newtown resident Pam Gleason, who has set up “The Kenny Berry Trust Fund” to help Kenny’s family in this traumatic time.

The Berrys do have medical insurance, but, as is always the case, it only covers so much. And both Ken and Tracey work full-time, making the situation that much harder. Tracey works as a real estate agent for Century 21/The Gleason Group here in Newtown.

“They’re feeling it right now,” Mrs Gleason explained.

Doctors have been unable to provide a clear prognosis for Kenny, who will turn 14 on December 14. However, working with a therapist, the youngster is now able to write his name and the hope is that he will continue to improve.

Mrs Gleason admits she does not know what kind of response she will get by setting up “The Kenny Berry Trust Fund,” but felt it was important that people understand the Berrys’ plight. It is that time of year, she said.

Kenny is the kind of kid who loves being outside, and never expected he would spending his 14th birthday in a hospital bed. His friends, most of them from Newtown, are hoping the young man will be up and about before too long.

Those wishing to lend a hand to Kenny and his family may make their checks out to “The Kenny Berry Trust.” They can be sent to Newtown Savings Bank at 39 Main Street or to Century 21/The Gleason Group at 11 Church Hill Road. For more information, call Pam Gleason at 426-3333.