It was a day that would forever change the lives of Mike and Kelly Pierce from Highland Township. August 27 was the day a drunk driver crossed four lanes of traffic and collided head-on with their son Sawyer Pierce's car on Highland Road in White Lake. The sight was one of pure horror as the truck rode up Sawyer's car, pushing it back 100 feet and landing 3 to 4 feet inside, trapping him inside for an agonizing hour. Kelly vividly recalls the truck's bumper being inches from Sawyer's head. But in that moment of crisis, bystanders on Highland Road rushed to his aid. One person was there holding his hand, offering words of encouragement to stay with them. Another bystander held the airbag off his face, ensuring he could breathe as he couldn't move. It took a full hour for the White Lake firefighters to extricate Sawyer from his car. The tow truck drivers had to lift the massive truck off with great effort. No one dared to hope that the 28-year-old would survive. But a firefighter's words would give them newfound hope. As he was pulling Sawyer out, he uttered the "big f word," and it was the best word they had ever heard because it confirmed Sawyer was alive.

Hospital Struggles and Intensive Rehabilitation

At the hospital, Sawyer lay in a coma with a severe traumatic brain injury. He needed a craniotomy to remove a section of his skull due to the swelling. In addition to the brain injury, he had two collapsed lungs, 10 broken ribs, a ruptured spleen, and a broken arm and leg. Yet, Sawyer's spirit remained unbroken. He was transferred to Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids for intensive rehabilitation. Community members from southeast Michigan showered him with support during this difficult time. Mike, who used to work at the Pontiac Fire Department, organized a raffle to raise money for Sawyer's treatment. A Highland Township Hungry Howies hosted a pizza night to contribute to the funds. One of Kelly's best friends started a GoFundMe campaign. Mike shared, "We've received support from people we don't even know." Kelly added, "Then one of the fireman's wife and my cousin started 'Sawyer Strong.' With around four hours of work a day and this outpouring of support, Sawyer is now making remarkable recovery progress. It's truly a Christmas miracle."

Progress and Hope

Sawyer's recovery has been nothing short of astonishing. He is now sitting up and walking, trying to get his words out and even eating. The Pierce family is taking out his feeding tube today, a moment of great joy. Sawyer smiles as he shares his survival story this holiday season, inspiring hope in others. His message is clear - never stop fighting because there are no limits to what one can overcome. Christmas is a time to be with family and be thankful for what we have. As Kelly said, "I don't need anything for Christmas this year because it's sitting right here." Sawyer's story is a testament to the power of love, community, and the human spirit.