JJ English, the 9-year-old seriously injured in a car crash March 17, continues to heal, but his family said Friday he has a long road ahead.

The crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highways 550/160 and River Road near Home Depot when a car headed northbound turned left in front of the English family car, and Jason English, swerving to miss the crash, hit a traffic light pole.

All four members of the English family – parents Jason and Deaven, and children JJ and Cody, 5 – were transported to Mercy Regional Medical Center. But JJ, who had to be cut out of the SUV, was the most seriously injured and was flown to Children’s Hospital of Colorado in Denver.

In critical condition for several days, JJ had skull and facial-bone fractures, brain injuries and a major wound on his leg that eventually required a skin graft.

While he was released from the hospital eight days ago, he already has had to return to Denver for a check on the graft, and the family expects a number of trips in upcoming weeks as JJ heals.

While the family has insurance, there are numerous expenses related to traveling for medical care and keeping up with daily expenses while missing work to be with an injured child.

The community has reached out to help the English family in several ways. An account called “English Family Medical and Personal Expenses” has been established at all three branches of Bank of the San Juans, and the “English Family Medical Expense Fund” on GoFundMe is available at www.gofundme.com/p5njjo.

But perhaps the most fun way to raise money is being held by JJ’s schoolmates at Florida Mesa Elementary School, where, for $1, students can wear hats to school on Fridays. The students raised $300 on the first Friday of the fundraiser, which they intend to continue until the end of the school year.

“The English family is humbled and so appreciative of all your support,” Jason English said in a GoFundMe update, “so thank you all!”

abutler@durangoherald.com