Phoenix, AZ : Gilbert pancake fundraiser helps victims of collision caused by wrong-way driver on Sunday, January 29th 2017

Friends and co-workers held a fundraising breakfast in Gilbert on Sunday for two young men who were critically injured when their work truck was struck by a wrong-way driver.

Kyle Ruiz, 24, and Brandon Gauna, 21, are still in critical condition six weeks after the collision, which occurred Dec. 13, on a ramp linking Interstate 10 to the Santan Freeway/Pecos Road, south of Phoenix. The driver of the vehicle was killed.

On Sunday, their co-workers at Magic Pest Control turned out a lively crowd of people for a benefit pancake breakfast at New Mexican Grill in Gilbert.

The restaurant was so full that the food line stretched out the door, and most of the attendees— family, friends, co-workers and neighbors — had to stand and eat outside in the parking lot.

Gabe Urias of Chandler, a longtime friend of Ruiz, said that he is praying for his friend and loves him.

"I'm just glad to see everyone come out. My friend Kyle brought a lot of people together," Urias said.

Ruiz's father, Nelson Ruiz, is the owner of Magic Pest Control and a Phoenix firefighter. Many of his fellow firefighters attended the breakfast, and people of all ages were gathered in groups chatting and buying raffle tickets to support the two young men.

Ruiz and Gauna remain in critical condition, according to Cindy Castillo Madrid, a close friend to the men and a representative of Magic Pest Control.

Madrid was working the raffle for much of the event. She also created a GoFundMe account for Ruiz and Gauna.

"We wanted to thank everybody in the entire community for coming out," Madrid said.

Source :
Gilbert pancake fundraiser helps victims of collision caused by wrong-way driver