SAN ANTONIO - Relatives say two-year old Braylon Nelson is always cheerful and joking, but not in the spotlight of cameras as he prepared to go home after months in Santa Rosa and University hospitals.
The toddler and his dad, Randy Nelson, were critically injured in a head on collision after a crossed the median while chasing another driver in a road rage incident.
"It was such a senseless accident for such an innocent victim," said his great grandmother, Carolyn Matthews.
Relatives say Braylon was in the car with his dad on FM 78 when a driver slammed into their car causing them both life threatening injuries. Family member Robin Jones said Randy Nelson is still in a rehabilitation facility and has only seen his son once since the accident. Jones said the father suffered a broken hip, leg, ribs and other injuries.
Braylon was paralyzed from the neck down, although relatives said he continues to show improvement with feeling in his arms and legs.
"I prayed for a miracle a month," his great-grandmother told Police Chief William McManus.
The police chief has visited Braylon several times at Santa Rosa Hospital after hearing about the tragic accident in news reports.
"It's great to see him make progress in his recovery because when he first came in here, it did not look good at all," said Chief McManus.
"He touches my heart. He acts like nothing is wrong," said his mother.
Candice Matthews said her son told lots of jokes to visitors and loved when someone would read him a story.
His great-grandmother said the child could recall all the details of a book and it was impossible for someone to shorten the story without him knowing.
Braylon will continue to need around the clock medical care and Chief McManus says the SAPD officers have made a financial contribution to his expensive care.
The family has also set up a fund at Frost Bank, THE BRAYLON NELSON FUND. All tellers know the account number and can help you.
