NORFOLK, Va. — Support is growing for a Norfolk girl who is still in the hospital after she was injured in a crash last week. Police said a driver hit the child with their car before 5:30 p.m., while traveling on Church Street.
One week after the crash that sent Na'Zaurya Shead to the hospital, family members and friends came together in support of the 7-year-old and to pray.
Loved ones affectionately call the girl by her nickname Yahyah.
"[I have] five children. Yahyah is number four. We miss her. I miss being home with all of them," said mom Laquanda Shead, who is currently staying at the hospital with Yahyah.
In an interview with 13News Now last week, Laquanda said Yahyah asked to go get a treat with her cousins across the street from home last Tuesday. A driver hit the child while on Church Street near Olde Huntersville in Norfolk, police said.
"Some days can be up and down. I just continue to pray," said Laquanda.
The crash left Yahyah with serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis and brain bleed.
"She's still here. She's still fighting," said Laquanda.
Yahyah was lifted from a medically-induced coma, and awaits an MRI for the condition of her spine. She started using the help of feeding tubes, Laquanda said.
"She's progressing, she's eating and every day, one day at a time," the mother added.
Laquanda thanks everyone for their support, including a good samaritan who performed CPR on Yahyah following the crash, school administrators who set up a meal train and people who have extended thoughts and prayers.
Dressed in her favorite color orange, family and friends marched to honor the little girl while carrying signs and balloons Tuesday evening. They wanted to send a message of support to Yahyah and urge drivers to pay attention.
"Bringing awareness, [Church Street,] there area a lot of kids who live out here and speeding, texting, any of that stuff. You've got to be aware of your surroundings," said Laquanda.
Police said the person who hit the child stayed. A department spokeswoman told 13News Now the investigation is still ongoing; she did not reveal the circumstances surrounding the crash or if the driver faces charges.
As for the family, their focus is on staying by Yahyah's side as she heals.
"I know we have a long road of recovery and we're ready, we're just ready for her to come," Laquanda said.
She started a GoFundMe page to help with medical and transportation expenses as Yahyah undergoes the recovery process.