The day after his eighteenth birthday, Hugo Romulo broke his neck in a car accident, paralyzing his right arm and the rest of his body from the waist down. His right leg became infected after the accident and has been amputated after several surgeries. Hugo should be starting his senior year at Suwannee High School next week, but he faces even more surgeries and treatments in the future.

Prior to the accident on July 10, Hugo coached soccer to kids and volunteered in his church’s youth group. He was always great around children, although he got along with everyone, according to his mother, Carolina.

“Hugo is always happy, always funny,” she said. “He just has an open heart.”

Carolina is turning to her faith to get her through this unexpected tragedy.

“The doctors say he won’t be able to walk,” she said. “But I know God creates miracles.”

The Romulo’s family friend, Amanda Gabey, said Hugo has only recently been able to breathe on his own. His family plans to move Hugo to another state for the physical rehabilitation he needs.

Carolina is a single mom to two boys, Hugo and his brother, Justin. Friends, family members and supporters are coming together to help the Romulos with finances during this difficult time.

The Suwannee Soccer Boosters are holding a yard sale and car wash to help pay for Hugo’s surgeries this Saturday, Aug. 15, at Cheek and Scott in Live Oak. The yard sale starts at 7:30 a.m. and the car wash starts at 9 a.m.; both fundraisers end at 2:30 p.m. There is also an account at First Federal Bank of Florida set up to receive donations under “Hugo Romulo.” For those wishing to make an online donation, there is a GoFundMe account for Hugo at www.gofundme.com/z5f4vu8.