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Fundraiser Planned For Local Dog Mauling Victim

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Jun 16, 2009 8:25 pm US/Eastern

Fundraiser Planned For Local Dog Mauling Victim

CORAOPOLIS (KDKA) ― Tyler Williams is trying to get back to being a little boy again.

But the 5-year-old's face tells the story of what he's been through.

"It's hard - it's hard"," says his mother, Cassie Witherow. "I'm just thankful that he's here."

Last last month, Tyler was helping his Aunt Ashley feed her boyfriend's 70-pound pit bull - kept chained in the backyard.

Tyler's nose was running. As he held the food out, the dog began licking the boy's face.

Tyler was startled and threw up his hands. The dog snapped.

"His jaw was broke - and this from his lip down he has a skin graft - it was ripped completely off," Witherow said.

His skull was fractured, his nose was torn and his face was covered with deep gashes.

"I just kept saying, 'Oh my God' it was like I thought I was gonna to lose him," Witherow said.

Without waiting for an ambulance an arriving police officer scooped the child up and rushed him to the hospital.

Tyler spent nine days in Children's Hospital. Surgeons worked for 11-hours placing more than a hundred stitches into his face and legs.

There are more surgeries to come and limited health insurance.

But on Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis, flyers are going up for a fundraiser to "Team up For Tyler."

Youth Baseball President, Marty Armstrong, is organizing the effort.

"We're just trying to do what we can for Tyler and his family to do what we can to pay for some medical expenses. We feel kind a terrible," he said.

At the Bliwas Ballpark at First and Mulberry, the family-friendly movie "Bedtime Stories" will be shown under the stars from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, June 20.

There'll be food, raffles and other fun to help make sure this little guy keeps his spirits up.

"He's full of life - was out there playing ball earlier and he's just running crazy which really shocks me being it's only been a month ago it happened," Armstrong said.

Tyler's Mom is overwhelmed by all the kindness.

"I feel so blessed I really do - I'm so grateful like, that I have so many good friends," she said.

Tyler still has a lot of growing up to do and with those bright, blue eyes - he's likely to have lots of friends.

"He's my baby - and like I told him - I was like - he'll still get all the girls when he gets older," Cassie said.

The police officer who rushed Tyler to the hospital, Sean Barger, will also be recognized at the fundraiser.

Admission is only $3. Attendees can bring lawn chairs and blankets. There will be a concession stand and a 50/50 raffle as well.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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