JERSEYVILLE - When preparing to leave a home in Jerseyville recently, Zayli, 2, a loving, caring young girl, attempted to hug a friend's six-and-a-half-year-old American Pitbull Tonka. Tragically, the dog latched on to the face of the little girl.

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

A friend Morgan organized a GoFundMe fundraiser for the girl. Zayli was pulled away from the dog and then rushed to Jerseyville hospital and then flown in a helicopter to Children’s Hospital.

“As of right now she is stable, but she has a very long road ahead of her,” the GoFundMe organizer Morgan said. “She has a broken jaw, nerve damage to her face, and is missing teeth. With all of this happening her mom, who just started a new job, will not be able to leave her and go to work, so she will not be able to have an income and could possibly even lose her job, since being so new to the company.”

Her mother, Kendra Courtoise said they are focusing on healing Zayli's mouth. "She is bouncing back in good fashion and doing well in recovery."

Article continues after sponsor message

The fundraiser organizers said they were doing the page to do anything they can to help her with financial hardships during this time.

“No child should ever have to endure the pain she is or go through what she is going through,” Morgan said. “If you know Zayli, you know she is the most caring, loving, selfless, warm-hearted little girl around. And if you know Tonka, you would know why none of us ever in a million years could see this happening. It’s truly a freak accident, a nightmare that we all wish we could wake up from.”

Tonka is now at the pound, in quarantine for 10 days, and on day 10 will be put down because of the incident.

“If you cannot afford to donate, please just share this, and pray, please pray hard,” the GoFundMe organizers said. More than $14,000 of the $20,000 goal has already been raised by the GoFundMe.

To donate to the page click below:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-zayli?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unknown&utm_campaign=comms_gfm+help-for-zayli

More like this:

Feb 14, 2024 - GoFundMe Organized for Ra'niya Steward's Family Following 13-Year-Old's Passing

Jan 4, 2024 - Special GoFundMe Organized For Mother For Her Late Son's Return Home

Jan 13, 2024 - Difference Maker: Middle School Teacher Sadie Lupercio Encourages Students In and Out of School

Feb 21, 2024 - Tragic Home Fire in Ferguson: Community Rallies to Support Victims' Family

Jan 20, 2024 - Miss Illinois This Year Is From Jacksonville, IL. - Natalie Evans, Calhoun's Sievers Earns Best Personal Interview

 

If you have a news, human interest or sports idea, e-mail Danbrannan@riverbender.com or call or text 618-623-5930. Follow Dan Brannan on Facebook and on Twitter.

Print Version